Historic Window Grills

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Topic: Historic Window Grills

Home Renovation May 3, 2016 at 5:06 pm

Historic Window Grills

I’m interested in installing historic Iron window grills/grates on the basement level floor of the home we are renovating and cannot find any indication in the Design Guidelines of the Historic District whether these would be allowed. Obviously, because they would be period pieces, they would not be constructed with safety exit, but if there are two back entrances and windows that would have modern grating with safety exits, would installing the period grates conflict or comply with building and historic codes? Just wondering if anyone has tried this or encountered a problem with front building restoration.

Thanks.
Erika

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http://ecode360.com/index/NE1082/W see window grills. Newburgh abides by NYS codes or the stricter of the two…http://www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/buildingcode-enforcement
Head’s up, it’s best to get verification rather than self interpret. Fwiw, the general rule requires x amount of accessible egress per x amount of living space. I’ve actually had to rework new windows to gain an additional sq.’ as larger units didn’t work into the aesthetics. That said, look up at Newburgh’s mid-rise rentals and count how many have safety grills you see. Doesn’t make sense.
Btw, if it comes down to it, have a local tile/marble supplier cut your mantel pieces according to size. Hone them yourself with 3,4,600 grit wet/dry sandpaper (lots of water) to take down the shine and present that vintage look. I did my bath floor as such and it looks great.

redpill,
Thanks very much, very helpful!

I believed that is possible as long as there are safety fire exit installed and that it all complies with safety measurements as well as the allocation size of the installation area. In fact I am also planning the same with an added crafts man door of this style http://caldwells.com/exterior-doors/craftsman-doors, but the size required is not sufficient which I eventually dropped my plan, and replaced the backdoor instead to use the materials I have.

I think you should be able to collaborate pretty well with an interior designer to ensure that you meet the criteria set out by the council then you can get the approvals you need to put the grills in. Even if you’ve got grills in on all your windows, I’m sure that you can come up with some sort of layout to ensure that there is a fire exit included on the plans so that both parties are satisfied with the solution.

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