Gangplank for window access

[jmarkwolf]

My shop is two story, with the staircase coming up along the wall, directly beneath the centrally located double-hung window. Opening and closing this window is problematic because you have to step down several steps to get underneath the window, and then you have to reach up to unlatch and push the window, with no leverage. The upstairs gets blazing hot in the summertime, and I would frequently like to open the window. The window at the other end of the room is accessible.

The top of the staircase currently has a sort of 2 by 4 and particle board knee wall, pic below, as a guard rail (probably to pass occupancy permit). Lately, I've been thinking I need a gang plank across the top of the staircase opening to gain ready access to this window.

The gang plank needs to span width of the 36in wide staircase plus some when down, and support probably no more than 300lbs (weight of a person plus pushing the window up). When the gang plank is up, it would need to be an integral vertical part of this knee wall and be "staked" somehow.

I've considered wheelchair type ramps, some are 40in long, which might be perfect to span the staircase. Constructing a ramp from left over lumber is also a thought.

Any clever ideas?

 

[loganb]

See if you can convert that latch to an autolock with a pull string. Best step is to reach out to the sales rep or distributor the window came from

Autolock means It will latch automatically when its closed, the pull string is like a blind cord and allows you to pull it to be able to unlock it. The pull string may be called an ADA or Accessible Pull

ADA Cover | ASSA ABLOY Fenestration

The classic aesthetic design of our Concealed Screws Cover, with an adjustable pull cord to disengage the lock. Designed for easy operation and ADA compliancy.

www.assaabloyfenestration.com

 

[Stuart in MN]

From the picture, it's not clear if there would be adequate headroom under the gangplank when you're using the stairs. Plus, you still have to go up and down stairs to get to the gangplank, so there's no advantage there.

Does the window need to be latched? If it's on the second story, security shouldn't be a concern. I'd be tempted to leave it unlatched, then all you have to do is push the window up and down. If that's difficult, maybe the jamb needs some lubrication with wax or something similar.

 

[NUTTSGT]

How about a picture looking at the stairs to see what the width difference is ?

I stand on the railings at the FD to open a window in the stairway. . .

 

[PCustoms]

Can you use a hook/stick to reach?

 

[Shiftless]

I stand on the railings at the FD to open a window in the stairway. .

That sounds a bit unsafe.

 

[Shiftless]

Opening and closing this window is problematic because you have to step down several steps to get underneath the window, and then you have to reach up to unlatch and push the window, with no leverage. The upstairs gets blazing hot in the summertime, and I would frequently like to open the window. The window at the other end of the room is accessible.

If there is an attic, I suggest installing a whole house fan in the ceiling and not worry about opening and closing a window. The big fan will pull in 10+ times more air and be controllable wIth a switch or even a wireless remote. I have one going right now in my house and it’s pulling in cooler evening air through whatever window or windows I choose to open. It’s got a 2 speed motor that moves over 5,000 cubic feet of air a minute on high. On low, you can barely hear it even standing underneath the vent.

 

[NUTTSGT]

That sounds a bit unsafe.

Kind of like going into a burning building ?

 

[mikedodge]

Move the window over. It's poor placement when it needs to be opened and it'll be pain to clean too.