A window measuring 38 centimetres by 38 centimetres: does it comply with the minimum area requirements?

• A. Yes
• B. No, it does not comply with the minimum area requirements
• C. It complies if installed with a protective grate
• D. It complies only if the building code is updated

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that building codes require a minimum net clear opening area for egress windows. To check, multiply the width and height of the unobstructed opening.

For a window of 38 cm by 38 cm, the opening area is 0.38 m × 0.38 m = 0.1444 m² (about 1.56 ft²). This is far below the common minimum egress size, which is typically around 0.53 m² (5.7 ft²). Because the opening is so small, it does not meet the minimum area requirement.

A protective grate does not increase the net opening; it can even reduce it, so it wouldn’t bring this window into compliance. Building code updates don’t retroactively change the present minimum, so they don’t affect this assessment.

So, it does not comply.