I you have a finished basement in your home, there is a good chance that an egress window will be required. What do you need to know about an egress window in a basement? Take a look at a few important points below, and do not hesitate to reach out to an expert who can point you in the right direction.
What Is an Egress Window?
An egress window is exactly what it sounds like. It is a location from which someone can quickly exit your basement, usually in an emergency situation. You will probably have a door leading out of your basement to the first floor; however, what happens if this door is blocked? You do not want people to get trapped in your basement. That is why you need to have an egress window.
Not every window in a basement is large enough for someone to fit through. If the window is not large enough for someone to get out of the basement, it does not qualify as an egress window. Usually, you will need to have steps or a ladder to make it easier for someone to access the egress window. There will also need to be an egress well on the other side.
What Is an Egress Well?
An egress well is a cut out in the land outside of the egress window. If there is no well outside of the window, it is possible that land could build up against the window on the other side, making it more challenging for someone to get out. If there is a well on the other side of the egress window, it prevents branches, dirt, and rocks from blocking the exit. In addition, it ensures water drains away from the window, preventing the window from leaking in the event of a serious thunderstorm. A large egress well might also have stairs or ladders, making it easier for someone to get out of the basement in an emergency situation.
What Is the Requirement for an Egress Window?
If you want your egress window to conform to code, there are several specific conditions that have to be met. They include:
- The window cannot be any more than 44 inches off of the ground in the basement.
- The window must have a minimum opening of at least 5.7 square feet.
- The minimum opening width has to be 20 inches, and the minimum opening height has to be 24 inches.
- It must be easy to access the window from the inside, not requiring any keys or tools.
You must make sure your egress window meets these minimum requirements.
You Must Put Safety First When Installing an Egress Window and Well
When you are installing an egress window and well, it is important for you to put safety at the top of your priority list. The window must be able to be opened fully, and it has to allow an easy escape in the event of an emergency. It might also be beneficial to put a cover over the window well, but it still has to be light enough for it to be removed easily in the event of an emergency.
Some of the reasons why you should work with a professional include:
- You need someone who is familiar with the rules and regulations regarding egress windows and wells.
- If you want your basement to be added to the square footage of your home, you need to work with someone who is familiar with the paperwork process.
- There are a lot of heavy tools involved, and you do not want to run the risk of hurting yourself.
That is why you should count on our team to help you install your egress window.
Work With ItIsWell Egress for Help With Your Egress Windows and Wells
If you want to finish your basement, you need to work with our experts. We are ItIsWell Egress, and we have a tremendous amount of experience working with a wide variety of homeowners, and we can help you install your egress window and well. We always follow the best practices in our field, and we put the needs of our clients ahead of our own. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us today!
