Egress Window

What is an Egress Window?

Most of us think of windows as a way to regulate the influx of warm and cool air into our homes. However, in the case of an emergency, windows can save lives. It is estimated that 4,000 to 5,000 people perish in home fires annually as a result of not being able to exit the dwelling. In addition, approximately 20,000 people are injured. Many times people get trapped in a room because the smoke or fire is blocking the usual escape route. An egress window is a window that provides an easy way to exit a dwelling. Since 1973, the International Residential Code has been in place to regulate the size and placement of windows used in home construction and remodeling. According to this code, every bedroom must have at least one working window with a clear opening of 5.7 feet. In addition, the code requires that basement apartments, basement family rooms and basement bedrooms must have an egress window. The International Residential Code stipulates that the maximum distance from floor to window sill be no more than 44 inches. It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the builder, owner, architect and or contractor to ensure that windows comply with state and local building codes.

The Pros of Adding Egress Windows

In addition to creating a safe environment for your loved ones, adding an egress window increases the value of your home. They allow more natural light to flow and provide more ventilation throughout the rooms. These windows will dramatically lighten up finished basement rooms. We all know basements room usually look unattractive and dingy due to the lack of natural sunlight. Since the code for basement windows requires an opening of at least 5.7 feet, that opening will let in a wealth of light making the area more attractive and enjoyable.

The Cost of Adding Egress Windows

There are many factors that will determine the cost of these windows. The quality of windows and the number of windows you need will play a factor. Also, you will need to plan for installation costs. In general, the cost of the installation of these windows is the same as the cost of any other window installation. If you need to purchase and install a basement egress window, the costs are much higher as it requires a well. The egress well must also be in compliance with the current International Residential Code. It stipulates that the well must have a minimum of 9 square feet of surface area and a 36 inch projection off the foundation wall. Any egress window well that is deeper than 44 inches must have either a ladder or steps to allow exit. Installing the well is a large project and it is best you hire a professional to do this. You might think you are saving yourself money if you do the job yourself but you may save yourself a lot of headaches down the road. If you should decide to put your home up for sale, the buyer will require a home inspection. So if your basement egress well doesn’t meet the building code, it could hamper the sale of your home.