What is a "non-operable" opening (per code)? Is a glass block window "non-operable"? (windows, stove)

[eightbitguy]

I'm putting a stove with a vent hood in our basement. Its on an outside wall and will vent directly outside. There is a glass block next to where the stove (hood) will be so the vent will be about 15 inches from that window.

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?

I plan on calling the city when I have a day off to be sure, but thought someone here might know the answer. Unfortunately, "non-operable" isn't defined in the code.

[Nonesuch]

In most uses of the term, "operable" usually means a window that can be opened from the inside far enough to be used as emergency egress. when talking about exhaust vents, the usual term is "fixed" or "non-venting"; a window that is sealed closed, cannot be opened nor vented.

Solid flush glass masonry units would be the ultimate form of a "non-operable window", probably doesn't count as an "opening" for the purpose of exhaust vent clearance. I'd ask your local inspector, since it's not explicitly called out in most building codes.

[eightbitguy]

Well, if "operable" means it opens enough for egress then one would assume a "non-operable" opening would be a window that opens but not enough for egress. Which would mean a glass block window would not be "non-operable" by definition.

I think?

I'll call the city to confirm. I'm just annoyed the code doesn't have this listed in the definitions (operable is listed though)

[johngolf]

I do not see glass block as an opening. Operab.e or not operable, it is not an opening.

[eightbitguy]

Originally Posted by johngolf

I do not see glass block as an opening. Operab.e or not operable, it is not an opening.

Thanks for the second opinion. I'll call the city to confirm before I cut a hole in the brick, but its nice to know I'm not crazy.

[chet everett]

You should probably simply ask for clarification on the code requirement. Typically the concerns for things like this are to ensure that should there be some kind of fire or vent hood malfunction there is not a "fireball" that explodes and shatters a window making an internal fire worse with free access to air.

Glassblock is translucent (some can be transparent...) but so resistant to this sort of explosion that you probably will not cause any concerns...

[convextech]

Originally Posted by eightbitguy

Code says it a range exhaust must be 3 feet from a "operable or non-operable" opening.

Glass block is like a brick. It doesn't move. So no, it's not operable.

[convextech]

Originally Posted by eightbitguy

Thanks for the second opinion. I'll call the city to confirm before I cut a hole in the brick, but its nice to know I'm not crazy.

Cutting a hole in glass brick will render the block unsafe, and could compromise the structural integrity of the wall.

Please call a licensed contractor.

[eightbitguy]

Originally Posted by convextech

Cutting a hole in glass brick will render the block unsafe, and could compromise the structural integrity of the wall.

Please call a licensed contractor.

I am not cutting a hole in the glass block. I am cutting a hole in the brick on the outside of my house. Brick and block are two different words.

Also, my glass block windows were at one point normal windows, so they have an iron lintel above the frame.

That said, I am perfectly capable of cutting a hole in a brick wall. But thanks for your concern.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by eightbitguy

Code says it a range exhaust must be 3 feet from a "operable or non-operable" opening.

The idea is to limit chance of odors and such being drawn into living space.

operable is immaterial