Window security bars

[NYGAL]

NYC Fire codes require Q/R window Bars; they even have a list of approved models for window gates for fire escapes.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/fi...08_amended_ll37_41_64_2009_final_complete.pdf

Page 184:

1025.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, as that term is defined in the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the requirements of the construction codes, including the Building Code and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, and such devices are releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening, window or other opening.

1025.5 Certificate of approval. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, shall be of a type for which a certificate of approval has been issued in accordance with this code.

...

1027.5 Existing window gates and other restrictions. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices installed on windows and other openings onto fire escapes prior to the effective date of this code shall be in accordance with the applicable laws, rules and regulations in effect at the time of installation, and Section 1025.4.

this is such a good reference

 

[Tony V]

Some are, have been there/done that. But if there is a chance for a rescue, window bars won't hold up against the Halligan Tool. In my past days as a firefighter we practiced ripping them off old buildings.

Always paired with a flat head axe...could do a multitude of things..

 

[NYGAL]

NYC Fire codes require Q/R window Bars; they even have a list of approved models for window gates for fire escapes.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/fi...08_amended_ll37_41_64_2009_final_complete.pdf

Page 184:

1025.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, as that term is defined in the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the requirements of the construction codes, including the Building Code and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, and such devices are releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening, window or other opening.

1025.5 Certificate of approval. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, shall be of a type for which a certificate of approval has been issued in accordance with this code.

...

1027.5 Existing window gates and other restrictions. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices installed on windows and other openings onto fire escapes prior to the effective date of this code shall be in accordance with the applicable laws, rules and regulations in effect at the time of installation, and Section 1025.4.

What abut if the loan is conventional do we still need to request bars removal from bedroom windows?

 

[sandpiperapp]

FHA bedroom only, Fannie all windows with security grates need quick release mechanisms.

I never call for removal, I just mention it in the report. Let the lender make that call.

 

[hastalavista]

FHA bedroom only, Fannie all windows with security grates need quick release mechanisms.

(my bold)

Is that right? Either I didn't know or I've forgotten that (more likely, the first).

Is this in the selling guide? if so, I can find it. If not, can you let me know where it is located?

Thanks

 

[sandpiperapp]

I was unable to find a specific reference for this in the 2012 Selling Guide.

I have always reported the presence of security bars, with and without quick release mechanisms.

Specifically bedrooms for FHA, and I have requested removal if there is no quick release.

If it is not for the FHA, I have always mentioned them, but let the lender determine if they want them removed.

 

[hastalavista]

I was unable to find a specific reference for this in the 2012 Selling Guide.

I have always reported the presence of security bars, with and without quick release mechanisms.

Specifically bedrooms for FHA, and I have requested removal if there is no quick release.

If it is not for the FHA, I have always mentioned them, but let the lender determine if they want them removed.

Thanks for checking.
As I said, I was not aware of that and I don't think it is a GSE requirement ("any window with security bars need to be removed").
My experience is that a lender will require a certain standard of its own, or if the assignment is for FHA, require the FHA standard to be met.
As a rule, that means if the bedrooms have security bars and there is no other way to exit to the outside, then the security bars need the safety release mechanisms.

Like most others, I don't make my reports subject-to the removal of the bars. I note what I observe, and leave it to the lender to make its decision.

 

[Riick]

It's a safety issue, they need the quick releases.
What I always loved was when I came back and found *no* security bars.
I knew that 1/2 hour after I left, they would be screwing the original bars back in place.
Nothing I could do about it.
IMHO... Better -if possible- to require the quick releases

 

[Kevin Mc]

Specifically bedrooms for FHA, and I have requested removal if there is no quick release.

In NYC bedroom windows need quick release latches only. Living room, kitchen and other rooms dont. Thats accordingly to the FDNY.

 

[444nutman]

It's a safety issue, they need the quick releases.
What I always loved was when I came back and found *no* security bars.
I knew that 1/2 hour after I left, they would be screwing the original bars back in place.
Nothing I could do about it.
IMHO... Better -if possible- to require the quick releases

There is a house that I pass all the time that the lender required the security bars removed. I did the re-inspection, took photos and all the bars were removed. 2 days later, bars were back up. I laugh everytime I pass that house.