What is an Egress Window?
An egress window is a standard large, a person’s average height-sized window. It opens completely to permit residents to escape in case of any emergency, such as a house fire.
They can also have nice architectural trim that enriches the countenance of the living room. It must meet the International Residential Code (IRC) and local building code criteria.
According to the United States Fire Administration, 4,000 Americans die, and 20,000 are wounded in fires yearly. We can avert many of these tragedies with proper evacuation strategies and routes.
The availability of these casements enhances the likelihood of you and your family living safely. If you are planning to ensconce these windows in your possession, there are various specialties you have to contemplate, for illustration;
- Where are egress windows needed?
- What are the requirements and dimension code of egress windows?
- What are the pros of an egress window?
Where are Egress Windows Needed?
Every bedroom on any floor, including the basement, must have an escape opening. Egress windows must be in any room where residents sleep or spend most of their time.
So in case of any emergency, these windows serve as a means of exiting.
What are the Requirements and Dimension Code of Egress Windows?
The fundamental requirements for installing these windows are:
- The opening width of the window must be at least 20 inches.
Why? If you need to jump, the window should be within 20 feet of some form of landing, ideally the ground, so that rescuing professionals can reach you.
- The entrance height of the window must be at least 24 inches.
- The net clear opening of the window must be at least 5.7 square feet.
- The maximum sill height cannot exceed 44 inches above the floor.
- The window must lead to an outside balcony.
- If the window is below grade, you must have to erect a window well.
How to Install an Egress Window? {5 Steps }
Before the installation can commence, the workers must dig a zone around the window. This excavation is a big hole, approximately 6-7 feet across.
The profoundness of the crater will rely on your foundation and how distant the subterranean window needs to position. We may begin installing the window after the excavation is over.
5 Steps to Install Egress Window
- Build a window opening
- Add a Gravel Layer
- Fix the Window Well
- Place the Basement Window
- Final touch
1. Build a Window Opening
In the first step of installing a window space, replace your tiny window with the larger one. You have to retain the entrance enlarged to accommodate the large egress window.
If you don’t have a window in your basement, we’ll need to create one. It is easier to execute with a concrete block wall because the mortar between the block functions as a cutting guide and a smoother “breaking” point.
However, with legitimate skills and equipment, you may also build and frame a window in a poured concrete foundation.
2. Add a Gravel Layer
A heavy layer of gravel spreads on the ground. It should be applied equally from the foundation to the region where the window well is built.
It is a crucial step since the gravel aids in the drainage of the water that enters the window well. Water might sink into the earth outside your foundation without it, causing fractures to appear.
3. Fix the Window Well
After the gravel has settled, you can fix the window well into its position. The well is a section with steps constructed into it so that people may readily evacuate in a contingency.
When the crew has appropriately positioned the well, it will secure to the foundation wall on each side of the window opening.
4. Place the Basement Window
Now that the well is in its spot, it’s time to build the basement egress window. You can fix the egress window in the same way as other windows.
Egress windows, like doors, unlock inwards and permit everybody to exit via the aperture more conveniently.
5. Final Touch
On the window well, there should always have a “door” or cover. You don’t want your children to slip into it when playing outside.
There are open grid well coverings, but the ideal option is a transparent, solid door. It will guard against falls and keep the bulk of rain, leaves, and debris out.
The cover is held in place with industrial-grade velcro to prevent it from falling off or being blown off by wind gusts. It’s still light enough for a toddler to walk over it, yet sturdy to fulfill its job.
Pros
Aside from the peacefulness, there are several other benefits of adding egress windows.
- Adding egress windows boosts the ultimate worth of your property.
- It may bring a sense of style to a dreary environment.
- A window of about 5 square feet provides a wealth of light into the space.
- In a basement, installing an egress window improves air circulation and brightens an otherwise dark area.
- An egress window in each sleeping or living room may considerably facilitate the odds of you and your family escaping in the event of a fire and allow fire rescue workers access.
Egress Window Cost
The expenditure of these installations might differ based on several parameters, including the type of windows you choose, the number of windows you want, and the style of your window wells. Above-grade egress windows should not be more expensive than any other windows installation, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,000 for energy-efficient, multiple-paned windows.
However, expect to spend extra for basement egress windows. A single, no-frills basement egress window is typically worth $2,000 to $3,000 to install, but more complicated window well designs can cost up to double that amount.
Install Egress Windows Confidently
Having egress windows in your residents is inevitable. It keeps you and your family secure in any contingency.
The best thing about having egress windows is that they will add aesthetic beauty to your home, especially in your basement. No doubt, installing these windows is an expensive and back-breaking process, but considering the peace of mind an egress window gives, any homeowner would be wise to invest in one of these windows.