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Code says it a range exhaust must be 3 feet from a "operable or non-operable" opening. So would my glass block window be "non-operable"? Or does non-operable mean things like soffit vents.
Some definitions may help. An opening in a wall is a cutout. An operable opening is one that opens, such as a window or door. A non-operable (the actual term is "inoperable") is an opening that does not open, such as a picture window or fixed french door. The confusion comes from the word "opening". Laymen use it to mean something that opens, but in construction, it means an opening in a wall, whether it actually "opens" or not.
[Aside: Whether the window opens enough for egress doesn't matter. If it opens at all, even an inch, it is an "operable opening". If it doesn't open, it is an "inoperable opening". Egress has its own codes.]
What they don't want is something close to a stove that can get blown open, creating a super-fueled fire. That's why they specify "operable or non-operable"; they don't want either.
Now to confuse the icing on a cake: Real glass block (not that fake plastic kind) is considered a masonry product, and is part of the wall. They do not open, and are covered by brick codes, not window codes. However, some fire codes may treat them as windows. So you need to check with your local code enforcement for your answer.
Bottom line: I have probably educated you, but sadly not given you an answer.
What they don't want is something close to a stove that can get blown open, creating a super-fueled fire. That's why they specify "operable or non-operable"; they don't want either.
The purpose of termination locations as they pertain to openings is to prevent CO from being drawn back into the dwelling (especially as it pertains to furnaces, WH's, and gas fueled ranges).
The other is DWV; so odors, and methane are not drawn back inside.
The purpose of termination locations as they pertain to openings is to prevent CO from being drawn back into the dwelling (especially as it pertains to furnaces, WH's, and gas fueled ranges).
The other is DWV; so odors, and methane are not drawn back inside.
You are correct. An additional reason to prohibit operable openings is for the reasons you stated.
Your glass block is 15 inches away from your intended location....You stated code says 3 feet. You already know you are not up to code if you locate your stove vent there.
I think what you are overlooking is that the glass block has already compromised the stability of your block wall basement.....And, as K'LedgeBldr stated previously, CO concerns.
I imagine that is the reasoning behind the 3ft distance from any opening.....operational or non-operational.
You should have an inspection done prior to making a costly mistake.
Your glass block is 15 inches away from your intended location....You stated code says 3 feet. You already know you are not up to code if you locate your stove vent there.
I think what you are overlooking is that the glass block has already compromised the stability of your block wall basement.....And, as K'LedgeBldr stated previously, CO concerns.
I imagine that is the reasoning behind the 3ft distance from any opening.....operational or non-operational.
You should have an inspection done prior to making a costly mistake.
Glass block is not considered an "opening" in anyway. It's merely a different type of "wall" material- just because it can let light in doesn't make it an "opening".
Your glass block is 15 inches away from your intended location....You stated code says 3 feet. You already know you are not up to code if you locate your stove vent there.
I think what you are overlooking is that the glass block has already compromised the stability of your block wall basement.....And, as K'LedgeBldr stated previously, CO concerns.
I imagine that is the reasoning behind the 3ft distance from any opening.....operational or non-operational.
You should have an inspection done prior to making a costly mistake.
You don't know the details of my basement. I have a poured concrete basement wall with a pony wall (about 24") above it. The windows are within the pony wall section. The structural integrity of the wall is from the pony wall and the lintel above the window, not the window itself as they were originally single pane windows (house is 85 years old).
Beyond that, the question is whether a glass block window counts as an "opening" or not. I know its too close if it is considered an opening, but only the city can tell me if it counts as one. Most people here said it doesn't, but clearly I'll go by the what code enforcement says.
As I've already stated, I planned on calling the city to confirm before I cut into the wall. I actually did call them yesterday afternoon but the inspectors were all out so they said to email and I'd get an answer within 48 hours. That time is up tomorrow about 4pm pacific time, so I'll be sure to come back and post what they said.
Some definitions may help. An opening in a wall is a cutout. An operable opening is one that opens, such as a window or door. A non-operable (the actual term is "inoperable") is an opening that does not open, such as a picture window or fixed french door. The confusion comes from the word "opening". Laymen use it to mean something that opens, but in construction, it means an opening in a wall, whether it actually "opens" or not.
[Aside: Whether the window opens enough for egress doesn't matter. If it opens at all, even an inch, it is an "operable opening". If it doesn't open, it is an "inoperable opening". Egress has its own codes.]
What they don't want is something close to a stove that can get blown open, creating a super-fueled fire. That's why they specify "operable or non-operable"; they don't want either.
Now to confuse the icing on a cake: Real glass block (not that fake plastic kind) is considered a masonry product, and is part of the wall. They do not open, and are covered by brick codes, not window codes. However, some fire codes may treat them as windows. So you need to check with your local code enforcement for your answer.
Bottom line: I have probably educated you, but sadly not given you an answer.
Good luck!
Ha! Thanks, this is one of the more informative posts here. I did call the city yesterday but they wanted me to email (everyone was busy) so I should have my answer by tomorrow afternoon. I'll come back and post what they say so everyone knows.
Some definitions may help. An opening in a wall is a cutout. An operable opening is one that opens, such as a window or door. A non-operable (the actual term is "inoperable") is an opening that does not open, such as a picture window or fixed french door. The confusion comes from the word "opening". Laymen use it to mean something that opens, but in construction, it means an opening in a wall, whether it actually "opens" or not.
[Aside: Whether the window opens enough for egress doesn't matter. If it opens at all, even an inch, it is an "operable opening". If it doesn't open, it is an "inoperable opening". Egress has its own codes.]
What they don't want is something close to a stove that can get blown open, creating a super-fueled fire. That's why they specify "operable or non-operable"; they don't want either.
Now to confuse the icing on a cake: Real glass block (not that fake plastic kind) is considered a masonry product, and is part of the wall. They do not open, and are covered by brick codes, not window codes. However, some fire codes may treat them as windows. So you need to check with your local code enforcement for your answer.
Bottom line: I have probably educated you, but sadly not given you an answer.
Good luck!
And after reading your post I went back to the local code and searched "glass block" in the definitions section and "glass block" is definitely listed under the "masonry" section with brick, tile, and stone so (fingers crossed) I should be in the clear!
I'll post an update once I hear back from the city.
Fingers crossed, looking forward to hearing good news!
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