Building Regulations for Replacement Windows & Doors

You’re refreshing your entryway with a picture window to tie your house together. Perhaps you’re getting ready for summer with a beautiful patio door. Whatever your home improvement, you’re excited to dive in and get started.

But then comes the red tape: sometimes it feels like you need to be a legal expert just to remodel your home. What are the regulations for replacement windows and doors? And how do you know which apply to your project?

What Are The Building Core Requirements for Replacement Windows & Doors?

There are actually international code requirements for windows and doors. These regulations cover topics that are generally out of the scope of your remodel, such as egress and impact resistance. Fenestration standards require windows to tolerate up to certain wind speeds – especially important out here in the Midwest. Similarly doors have regulations about size, safety and even energy efficiency.

You don’t have to worry about this when working with expert professionals and quality materials. When it comes to most requirements for windows and doors, it’s about complying with general standards for new construction. But like anything construciton-related these rules will vary from city to city.

Permits for Remodels with Windows and Doors

As you embark on your remodel you’re probably breaking out the measuring tape. If your replacement window is larger than the original, your contractor will be cutting a new hole for it. This kind of work requires a permit. Not the case if you’re just placing an insert into the old space. But other regulations may still apply to your project.

The same principle applies to doors. You may be looking into replacing your entry door or adding a new door for your patio. Like with windows, there’s no need for a permit if you’re replacing a new door in the original jamb. But if you’re making your door larger or building a new door entirely, a permit is required.

Style Requirements in a Homeowners Association

You’re someone who cares about function and style. If you belong to a community with an HOA, there may be requirements about the appearance of your home. The idea is that if everyone changes the look of their windows and doors, it could ruin the conformity of a neighborhood block.

Let’s say you want white frames but everyone in your development has bronze. Or maybe you’re replacing your front windows with state-of-the-art casement windows for their beauty and ease of use.

Your HOA will need to approve these changes as they concern the style and color of your home’s exterior. They’ll also make considerations for safety and installation standards – one less thing you have to think about when using our trusted high-efficiency glass.

Building Regulations for Replacing Windows in Historic Homes

As you well know, the vintage quality that drew you to your Plantation, Victorian or Colonial can also mean more maintenance and repair. But your historic property may also be subject to certain regulations. These are historical preservation guidelines meant to protect the heritage of historic homes.

For example, you might have distinct windows you love but need to replace. The frames were crafted nobly from quality wood and the panes were etched with a classic regent pattern. However, their materials are beginning to fail and you’re looking at a new window for a quality seal.

Local or state ordinances might require that you replicate the same style of window to maintain a historically accurate façade. The next step would be to bring in an experienced window professional. They’ll help you select replacement windows that reflect the craftsmanship of the originals.

The Bottom Line on Window and Door Regulations

It can be hard to figure out what are the regulations for replacement windows and doors. Generally, the process is pretty straightforward. Ultimately the answers will vary depending on where you call home. But don’t try to tackle window and door replacement yourself. Go to trusted professionals for a guaranteed fit and quality that will last.

Before you know it, you will be on your way to the nearest home improvement store to order or buy new windows and doors for your home.  However, you want to leave the measurements to the professionals in order to install the correct size window and door for your home.

At Feldco, we measure doors from door jamb to the opposite side of the rough opening. Windows are measured the same way with our professional installation team. Speak to a product specialist and get a free quote online today.