Installed height of windows

9 years ago

Please forgive me if this is a silly question, but is there a standard minimim distance from the ceiling that windows have to be? I have seen pics on Houzz where windows are high up on the wall - usually they are smaller windows - clerestory type. But is there any reason why regular windows need to be installed at a certain distance below the ceiling?

We have 8 ft ceilings and a wooded lot and I would love to raise the windows to bring in more light - looking at replacing some windows so I wonder if this is somethiong to consider?

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Comments (4)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
9 years ago
All depends on the wall framing.

Most traditional wall framing will have a header above the window to carry the load of the wall and hence the reason that the window must be spaced down.
numbersjunkie
Original Author
9 years ago
Wouldn't it be possible to replace a header with something smaller - in most cases? Wondering how they deal with the support issue in the homes I've seen pictures of.
Also, if we move the windows, would we really need headers that high???
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PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
9 years ago
All depends on your wall specifics as to what you can do.

There are span tables that set code specific header sizes. There are other things you can do with steel and more exotic headers but you will pay for them.
numbersjunkie
Original Author
9 years ago
OK, thanks! Something to consider.