An egress window is a mandatory requirement for any finished basement. The window is an entry or exit during an emergency. For easy access, an egress window might require steps or an attached ladder for quick and easy getting out. This window should fully open from inside to allow an average-sized adult to escape through. An appropriate fire code has minimum dimensions for the egress window for unobstructed emergency space.
Essential things to know about egress windows
An egress well
This is an indentation in the earth outside the basement window. The egress window protects a below-grade window from dirt, rocks, and backfill. It also drains away water to protect the window from leaking. An egress window gives an easy way out of the basement and is larger than a regular window well. For easy access, the well is fitted with ladders or built-in stairs for easy exit.
Regulations for an egress window
The International Building Code stipulates that a sleeping room below a forth storey home should have an opening for emergency rescue and escape. This can be a patio door, skylight, or window but large enough for emergency staff to enter or for the person inside to escape. Installing an egress window in the basement is necessary for any bedroom.
When creating habitable space in the basement, you have to know basement egress window cost. Having an escape route in a sleeping room or other basement living space is essential. This allows escaping through in case fire is spreading throughout the house. Investing in an egress window with an appropriate well ensures that your whole household escapes as quickly as possible.
Why invest in an egress window
Saving lives
The primary benefit of investing in an egress window is the potential to save lives during an emergency. This window allows occupants to safely and quickly escape any dangerous situation including a fire outbreak. Escaping through the egress window prevents injury and death in the family. Additionally, access to an egress window spares you from related expenses including hospital bills.
Increasing property value
Investing in an egress window offers various noticeable benefits including boosting property value. Potential buyers are likely to pay top dollar for a property with extra security features. Installing an egress window significantly boosts your property value. Before home staging your property, include installing an egress window to ensure your property meets local building code.
Many people do not understand that the draftiness in their home could be due to foundation problems. Foundation problems are one of the major reasons that can decrease your property value. Even small foundation problems like ceiling and wall cracks, gaps or sticking windows and doors, mold in the basement can turn into a major foundation failure in a short period of time.
More comfortable basement
After installing an egress window, your basement becomes more comfortable since the window allows extra natural light into your space. Additionally, the window improves ventilation when fitted with screen coverings. These are easily removed to allow escape during an emergency. Boosting ventilation allows entry of fresh air into your basement when open. Additionally, closing the egress window insulated the basement leading to significant savings on heating and cooling.
Different Window Options
Some window option that you can use for basement are casement windows, hopper, slider windows and Sash windows are also an amazing choice and look fantastic on the right property. We used a brilliant sash window fitter in London who did an excellent job so have a look at what they can do if you are in London.
Why rely on professional assistance for egress window installation
When finishing your basement project, you need professional assistance to install an egress window. Professionals understand the nitty-gritty of such a project including state and local building code. A DIY egress window project is less likely to meet codes and the building inspector is likely to recommend reworking. The contractors might have to dig a well for the egress well cut out of the concrete foundation.
Professional egress window installers understand the impact of moisture build-up. Special considerations are undertaken to ensure that the window is moisture-free. This might require reconfiguring the gutters and installing drains to keep the area moisture-free. To limit the potential of the window becoming a point of entry for intruders, locks are attached. However, these should be easy to open from inside for easy access during an emergency.
What makes a great egress window?
The ideal egress window is big enough to allow easy escape for everyone and should be easily opened fully. The cover on the egress well should be sturdy enough to hold the weight of an average adult. However, it should be lightweight enough to remove for a child to escape. Equally important is for professionals to understand the importance of making the window from material that holds well in harsh weather but with low maintenance.
Your egress window doesn’t have to be unsightly. A professional team should design a window that fits your aesthetic sensibilities while allowing more natural light in your basement. The egress well should have subtle and unobtrusive built-in steps. This allows enhancing the beauty of your basement. You need a team of professionals to offer options for egress windows including those with stained glass, shutters, or light draperies.
In a nutshell
An egress window is mandatory for your basement. This ensures the safety of everyone in case of an emergency. You need a team of professionals with the right expertise, experience, and equipment to install an egress window that meets your home security needs. Equally important is for the window to bar intruders without comprising your basement aesthetics.
