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Window Replacement - Residential

Applicable Codes:
2024 International Residential Code
2023 National Electrical Code

Please submit the following information:

  1. Window Energy Efficiency Specifications from the manufacturer
    1. Specify the series/model and number of windows to be installed
    2. Indicate energy efficiency ratings for each model of window
  2. Architectural plans, if modifying opening sizes, to include:
    1. Plan view showing the location of the proposed modification(s)
    2. Elevations showing the proposed modification(s)
    3. Existing and proposed opening dimensions
    4. Header size and span
    5. Bearing supports
    6. Framing infill beneath the new opening
    7. Electrical modifications

Significant Codes

  1. The maximum U-Value is .30 for windows. The maximum U-Value is .55 for skylights. A lower U-Value means a better insulating window.
  2. Replacement windows in sleeping rooms may be replaced with the same style and the same rough frame opening dimensions. If the style or size is to be adjusted, it may need to meet egress requirements (if there isn’t already a window in the room that complies with code):
    1. Escape openings shall have a sill height not more than 44” above the finished floor.
    2. A minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (obtainable by the normal operation of the escape opening from the inside). 
    3. The minimum height of the escape opening must be 24” and the minimum width is 20”. The net clear opening dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the emergency escape and rescue opening from the inside.
  3. Tempered glass is required in impact zones that are considered to be hazardous locations. Some areas of concern are:
    1. Glazing directly adjacent to a door that is within 24 inches of the door in a closed position.
    2. Glazing within and adjacent to stairways.
    3. Glazing in and adjacent to showers, bathtubs, saunas, and other similar features.
    4. Windows that meet these four criteria: adjacent to a walking surface, greater than 9 square feet in area, the bottom edge of the glazing is less than 18” above the walking surface, and the top edge of the glazing is more than 36 inches above the walking surface.
    5. For additional requirements and specific details for the items mentioned above, please refer to the 2024 International Residential Code, Section R324.4.
      https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2024P2/chapter-3-building-planning#IRC2024P2_Pt03_Ch03_SecR324.4

To apply for a permit

Maintstar - h2.maintstar.co/wheaton/portal/#/

Contractor Registration Requirements

Webpage - www.wheaton.il.us/890/Contractor-Registration-Requirements

Websites

Contact Us

City of Wheaton Building & Code Enforcement Department
Address: 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone Calls:
Questions regarding this information: 630-260-2050
Building Code Questions: 630-260-2051
Business hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fax: 630-260-2195

Revised 9/2/2025