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.

Egress Window Requirements

Egress is usually explained as “a path out” or “to surface.” These words apply directly to the design ethics behind egress windows. In the case of an emergency, windows installed in sleeping rooms must pass austere codes so that inhabitants can exit and rescue workers can enter the bedroom. Basically, if a fire occurs, a bedroom window must be a certain size so that those in danger can escape and firemen can get in. Firefighters must work diligently and the more space they have for rescues, the more lives that can be saved. The egress window requirements also apply to basement egress windows if there’s a finished bedroom downstairs.

Regulations

When homeowners add a bedroom to their home or basement, there are certain guidelines they must keep in mind:

. Lowest width of opening is 20 inches

. Lowest height of opening is 24 inches

. Lowest net clear opening is 5.7 sq. ft

. Lowest sill height above the floor is 44 inches

Conditions for egress windows installed previous to April 11, 1983 are:

. Space from the floor to the finished sill must be no more than 44 inches

. Windows must have an unobstructed open-free area of a minimum of 820 square inches.

When another replacement window is being installed into an existing configuration, they must meet the egress window requirements for sill height and clear open-free areas.

Keeping Egress Windows Up-To-Date

Something to bear in mind, is that if someone converts a basement storage unit or an attic room into a bedroom, things must be kept current. Frequently an inspection will be needed when renovating a specific space into a bedroom. However, inspectors are quite busy and can’t control everything. It’s best for anyone who wants to renovate a certain space to take it upon themselves to do it properly. It can be difficult to install when widening or lengthening a window space. In addition, buying new windows will be stressful, and cost, if they aren’t budgeted properly. Nonetheless, windows are important lifesaving structures. Therefore, anytime is the right time to follow all egress window requirements.

While basements are great features in homes, finished basements add value as well as usable living space. However, the problem with most basements is that they are dark, confined spaces. And without a walk-out door, most basement bedrooms don’t meet local building codes.

The solution is an Egress Windows Plano TX, a special window which allows escape from a basement. Because of their large size, egress windows also let in a large amount of natural light into an otherwise dark and gloomy space.

Planning Ahead

Before renovating a basement space, be sure to check local building codes to see the requirements for which rooms will need an egress window and how large the window should be, as this varies by area. Then decide whether you’ll hire someone to do the job or do it yourself. The window itself usually runs around $500 to $1000, so if you are willing to put in a couple of days work, this can be a fairly inexpensive do-it-yourself project. However, it can be a quite messy one, so if you hire a professional, plan to budget another $1500 to $3500 for labor.

Digging the Well

The key to the egress window is the well. Dirt surrounding the new window is excavated away, creating an opening usually 6 inches deeper than the window and about four feet wide. Then material is used to line the new hole, sometimes wood, sometimes a poured concrete material can be used. If needed because of the depth of the well, steps can be created; again, check with local codes for requirements. This is the trickiest part of the installation for a DIYer, usually requiring the rental of heavy machinery. Professional labor can run from $500 to over $1000 depending on the depth of the window and the type of lining used.

Cutting the Opening for the New Window

The most cost effective way to add an egress window is to expand the space of an existing window. However, that is not always possible, especially when adding bedroom space to a basement. When cutting the opening yourself, you’ll need to rent a concrete demolition saw. If you hire someone for this part, it usually runs from $500 to $1500 per window.

Even if a professional from Egress Windows Plano TX is hired, the cost of an egress window is easily recouped with the increase in value another bedroom will add to a house. And the light, airy feeling a large window can add to a basement is priceless.