That sure is a funny name for a window – egress – but it really does serve a purpose. If you look at the actual definition of egress, it simply means a way out or an exit. Therefore, if you have a basement egress window, then you have a way out of your basement in case of an emergency. It’s actually a building code requirement that for any bedroom or room that has sleeping quarters in a home, have these kind of windows installed so that the inhabitants of that room can get out or a rescue team has room to enter. Basically, if you ever become trapped in your basement during an emergency, like a fire, your basement windows have to meet certain requirements so you can get out of harms way and the local fire department can get in to put it out. Actually, these are a good idea for all basements regardless of whether you have a bedroom in it or not.
Building Code Regulations:
Be sure to check your local building codes as some may vary:
- The minimum opening width of the window has to be at least 20 inches.
- The minimum opening height of the window has to be at least 2 feet (24 inches).
- The minimum opening clearance has to be at least 5 square feet.
- The maximum height of the window sill above the floor can be no more than 3 feet 8 inches (or 44 inches).
Older homes may not be in compliance with these regulations as they are fairly new, but it’s up to you to keep your house up to code for your families and friends safety. So before you start your next basement remodeling project to install a new bedroom remember that you’ll need to keep things up to code. Most of the time this will require you to have your home inspected by a professional but not always. The thing is, this is your responsibility and not the inspectors. So do it right the first time.
Sometimes, this is not an easy task as you’ll likely have to remove the window that’s currently in place and either add some height or width to accomodate the new one. Plus, purchasing new windows was probably not in your original budget when you first started thinking about remodeling the basement so it’s likely to hit the purse strings a bit. The thing is, you’ve got to think about what you are protecting. Now is not the time to scrimp on saving a buck or two as it’s never worth it in the end. Safety should always be a priority in these matters, and installing these safety basement windows could save you a lot of heartache in the long run.
Other Egress Window Tips:
Not only are there certain size requirements involved with these windows, but there are also some other factors needed to keep them in proper working order. The main one being that someone must be able to operate it from the inside of your home without the use of a key or special tool. If you are worried about safety and break-ins, you can still have bars attached to these windows. However, they too will have to be able to be opened without a key or tool as well.
Best Type Of Egress Basement Windows:
By far, what we feel is the best type of window to install as an egress in the basement has to be casement windows. They make for ideal escape with maximum opening capabilities in a more standard window size. This is due to how they open. Casement windows are hinged to the frame on the sides. This allows for a single pane, fully opened window that will be large enough for almost anyone to escape out of. Plus, we think they are one of the more attractive options for a basement and with their wide openings, during those cool days, you can get maximum air flow through a casement window opening.
As a second option, you could opt for a double hung window. All though not as efficient as a casment window, these can certainly pass building regulation codes, but they are going to have to be much bigger than the aforementioned. Why so much bigger? Well, for starters, they only open half way so you are only going to get half of the opening as the same sized casement type. They actually have two panes of glass that slides behind one another leaving half of the window size still covered up. It’s still an option, but what you need to think about is how big of a window do you really want in your basement.
I would never suggest installing awning windows as an egress in a basement setting simply because of the way they are designed. Sure they are very good windows for a basement, just not as an egress. These type of windows are hinged at the top and actually open outwards and could have the potential of trapping you inside. You’d have to crawl through the frame and under the outward glass opening to get free.
Special Requirements:
You are going to need to install a window well since basements are underground and egress windows have to meet requirements. Without one, you may have a hard time getting your window to function properly without being obstructed. The basement window well is going to need some room to be installed directly outside the window in your home. This will allow you some adequate space once outside to manuever your way to safety. One thing to keep in mind is that if the well is too deep for you to easily get out of in an emergency, have a safety ladder installed in it so you can climb your way out quickly and effeciently. And don’t use it as a storage area to keep things out of the way. You’ve got to be able to use it when and if the time ever comes.
Nobody ever said renovating your basement would be easy and inexpensive, but egress basement windows are a life-saving feature that should be added to any basement whether or not they are a bedroom. Don’t forget to look into your own local building codes and if it is a bedroom, be sure to have it inspected both before and after the remodeling project.
