Are there ADA window requirements?
The short answer is yes; there are ADA requirements for windows.
Do you know what ADA is or why it is a topic in the window industry?
ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act which became law in 1990. The act prohibits discrimination against individuals in all areas of life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public. This act is essential to the window industry because everyone needs to operate windows in their home or office. As a window manufacturer, it is our responsibility that we provide windows that everyone can use.
What is an ADA opening?
An ADA opening refers to windows and doors that meet the ADA requirements. A few different ADA requirements apply to windows, in particular, handle operating force and reach requirements.
Window Operating Force
The most commonly discussed is the 5 lb handle operating force that must be achieved without tight twisting, grasping, or pinching. There is a general idea in the window industry that crank hardware will suffice for the 5 lb operation, but if you look at the whole clause in the ADA act, hardware that you have to grab to operate does not meet ADA. We can meet the window operating force with certain combinations of hardware and window configuration.
ADA Reach Requirement
The other ADA requirement that applies to windows is the reach requirement. If someone were in a wheelchair, they would need to reach the operating hardware without getting out of their wheelchair. The handle itself needs to be between 15"-48" from the ground. The wheelchair also needs to get within 10" from the window frame for easy reaching. The window configuration chosen will heavily impact if the window meets the reach requirements.
ADA Window Hardware
Our inswing casement windows and project out hopper windows can meet the 5lb operation and reach requirement. Casement windows will use the standard ADA long handle with 90° concealed hinge. Project out windows will use an OS Operator, short arm, and 4 bar hinge.
We believe that everyone should have equal access to operate any window they need to. If you need help with your next ADA window project, please reach out!
