A common misconception is that if a building permit and verification are not required because no structural changes are being made, then it does not need to be done. In reality, windows are a critical component of your home’s building enclosure and affect a wide range of factors, including the security, performance, and comfort of your property. As a result, you should always check with the municipality to find out about its requirements. Permits are typically needed for windows that are being relocated, combined with other openings, repaired, installed on historical buildings or listed heritage properties, or have moving parts.
Here are the top five reasons why homeowners must obtain permits before installing replacement windows.
1) Insufficient lighting and ventilation in rooms
When windows are relocated or combined, it can affect the amount of light and ventilation in rooms. Permits help ensure the minimum room illumination requirements are met while also meeting performance expectations for insulation and airtightness to prevent moisture penetration. Installing windows on historically significant or heritage-listed structures necessitates a permit. You can gain some ideas from different websites such as Window Nation, Signature Window & Door Replacement, Window Works, Toronto windows replacement, Quality Window & Door, etc.
2) Verify window placement on the wall
Installation of new windows may change the room’s appearance, which can have both positive and negative effects on neighboring homes. Permits are required to ensure the window is being installed at the correct height, avoiding any potential damage or legal consequences. For non-structural window replacement projects or repair projects involving sash removal and reinsertion, a permit is required to protect neighboring properties from damage due to falling objects. Moving-parts
windows, such as folding doors or crank-out casement windows, also require approvals.
3) Security features of windows
Safety and security are top priorities for homeowners. Local building codes should be followed to make sure the new windows are as safe as possible for burglars, hurricanes, etc., while still being able to function properly. Permit requirements vary between municipalities, so it is best to check with your local building authority. Windows with security features such as tempered glass, impact-resistant glazing materials, locking mechanisms, or alarm systems require authorization.
4) To meet Canada’s energy requirements
Windows that exceed a specified size must meet requirements for air leakage and water penetration. Permissions are required to ensure the replacement windows meet energy efficiency requirements, which is especially important during the summer and winter months. It is also required for installation on historical buildings or listed heritage properties, as well as when window components measure more than five square meters in area and the glazing is more than one square meter in area. Permits for replacement windows and doors can be obtained from your local municipality, conservation authority, or other agency authorized by the province to issue permits for this type of work.
5) Ensure bedroom windows are safe from neighboring properties
In some municipalities, bedroom windows must be a minimum distance from the property line. This requirement, as well as the maintenance of adequate lighting and ventilation in bedrooms, must be met by homeowners through the use of permits. People must be able to escape through a bedroom window if that is their only way out of the house.
What’s the worst that could occur in this scenario?
Without a permit, there’s no way to be sure that your new windows will be safe for the people who live there. Permits allow the municipality to ensure that requirements are not just met, but also exceeded. This is especially important for homes with children or the elderly, who may require more space between windows and property lines. They can also provide comfort during hurricane season or when there is a break-in attempt at home.