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TOPIC: Plexiglass window

Plexiglass window 14 years 6 months ago #32436

  • PLEXED
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Hello:
I need your expertise.
My large living room window is mostly plexiglass. Would it pass a home inspection for purchase? I live in South Carolina. One pane of it warped out during the winter and I had to put a piece of cardboard in it to "reseal" it from the outside. The landlord put metal staples in several places on the widow to help keep it from doing that again. But IMHO that is about as helpful as putting a band aid over a severed artery.
We were asking for a mere $ 1,500 in inspection related repairs.
He wants to sell this house for 56K AS IS Personally I don't like that idea. It is an old mill house and just everyone says it is NOT WORTH that much.
I look forward to your response
Sincerely
Jo Anne M

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Re: Plexiglass window 14 years 6 months ago #32443

  • Ian Niquette
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Doesn't sound up to snuff to me.

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Re: Plexiglass window 14 years 6 months ago #32457

  • Bert de Haan
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It isn't so much a matter of passing or failing.  It is totally up to the buyer if he is willing to accept it. 
But...I can't imagine any home inspector not recommending replacing because, like Ian said, it isn't up to snuff.  Especially since it is a large window, a wind could blow it out.  And plexiglass scratches really easily.
As an aside, I think you must be a kind soul for putting up with a plexiglass window that has to be sealed with cardboard.

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Re: Plexiglass window 14 years 6 months ago #32493

  • Darin Redding
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Per the 2006 version of the International Building Code you are ok to use light-transmitting plastic glazing in framed openings providing they do not have to be fire-protected.  Sounds like your situation might fit here.  Other restrictions include the fact that you cannot have plastic glazing that involves more than 25% of the entire wall surface.  There are other restrictions as well.

Two issues exist here.  First, a professional inspector will note any deficiencies in their report regarding the window.  Second, as Bert said, from a sellers perspective it ultimately depends on if the buyer accepts it.

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Darin Redding, CPI
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Re: Plexiglass window 14 years 6 months ago #32512

My thinking on this was that as per code over 9 square ft of fixed glass is required to be safety glass (tempered glass). Jo Anne called it large so I'm assuming it's well over 9 sf (3x3). She didn't mention if it was within 18" of the floor and/ or ground which also would reqiure the safety glass. Windows must also be able to withstand wind force.  Since it's warped and held up by cardboard and staples I wouldn't consider it wind force resistant or be able to withstand a human impact load as required.
Hey Darin can you site me that IRC code (location) on plastic glazing for my review and curiousity. Thanx

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Re: Plexiglass window 14 years 6 months ago #32513

  • Darin Redding
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I agree Joe.  Code aside, a window held up with cardboard and staples is hardly "up to snuff"  :)

Check out the 2006 IBC section 2608.1.

Stay safe!

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Darin Redding, CPI
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