Egress Window for Safety & Legal Living Spaces

Egress windows might not be the first thing that people think about when buying a home. Bay windows, beautifully-shaped door windows, or other, more aesthetically interesting types are more fun to think about. 

But egress windows are an essential part of every home, so it pays to know what to look for. In the sections below, we will explain the vital role that these tiny windows play in the lives of every home owner. 

What are egress windows, and why are they important?

Egress windows are small windows that serve as emergency exits from homes and other buildings. In private houses, they serve as a way to get out of the house safely in the event of a fire or other type of emergency.

Egress windows are required by law. They are not simply a beneficial addition to have; they are a mandatory part of every home, and homeowners that don't have them could face legal problems.

When you’ve determined your dimensions for egress windows (or if you are looking to replace existing ones), you can get online and check out casement egress windows that are available near you.

What benefits do egress windows provide?

Let's run through some of the specific benefits provided by egress windows:

• Safety. As mentioned above, this is the primary reason for having an egress window. In the event of an emergency, it may be the only way out of a building (including your home).

• Compliance with the law. There are specific legal codes that mandate the existence and specifications of egress windows. Laws also dictate where they should be in a house.

• Property Value. When a home includes all of the required egress windows, the value of the home automatically goes up. New tenants won't want to spend money installing these windows themselves.

• Improved lighting. When you install egress windows in a basement, they let in much-needed sunlight in what would otherwise be a very dark space.

• Possibility for air circulation. The air in basements also tends to get stuffy very easily. Having windows that can be opened can provide some much-needed air circulation in the rooms they sit in.

Specific legal requirements for egress windows

Egress windows are required in bedrooms and basements. If you have a living space in your bedroom and decide to rent it out or have one of the kids move in, they will need to have a way out if there is an emergency.

Egress windows must meet particular size specifications. If your windows do not meet these specifications, you will be in violation of the law. If you are in the process of building a new home, be sure to take these numbers and other conditions into consideration:

• In most cases, the opening area of the window must be at least 5.7 square feet, or 20 by 24 inches.

• The sill height should be no higher than 44 inches from the floor. This way, people will easily be able to get through them if they need to.

• Depending on where the window is located in relation to the ground, it may or may not require a window well. Generally, windows below ground level do require window wells.

• Egress windows should be easy to open from the inside, and should not require any external instruments such as keys to open. This would create too much difficulty in an emergency situation.

A requirement, but also something appealing

Most descriptions of egress windows (including this one) tend to focus mostly on the functionality and legal requirements of these small but not insignificant windows. Let’s not forget, though, that they can also do a lot for a basement space. Here are a few examples:

• If you’ve got a party room in your basement, you can obviously use it at night and install some great track lighting. But even during the day, if you want a bit of light to shine in while you’re watching TV or simply passing the time, a nice egress window can be a great addition. Natural light is known to be good for the psyche, so every little bit helps.

• Egress windows can be very useful for basement rooms that have been turned into fitness rooms. Having the natural light stream in in the morning can help keep you going while you’re on the treadmill, and you can open them to let in some much-needed air while you’re working out.

• Basement offices can similarly benefit. Sitting in a dark room all day and trying to remain focused can be extremely difficult, so a bit of natural light can make a world of difference to someone trying to work from below ground level.

Start looking at windows today

If you haven’t yet installed egress windows in your house, be sure to take the necessary moves to meet this important legal requirement. Check out Broga Window & Door for the best in egress and other window styles. Not only will it absolve you of any potential legal problems, but it will ensure that you have important safety measures taken care of in case you have an emergency in your home. Also, if you install egress windows in your basement, it will increase your property value and add appeal to any rooms you have in the basement for everyday living. Plus, if you have basement tenants, they will be much happier in their underground home than they would otherwise!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know for sure that my egress windows meet local requirements?

This is a good question to ask. Requirements might, in fact, vary from place to place so it is good to ask a professional with solid ratings.

Are there potential security issues with having egress windows in the basement?

There shouldn’t be if you get the right quality window. Be sure you get one that locks securely from the inside.

Could there be privacy issues with egress windows?

Covering your windows with curtains or blinds is perfectly acceptable. Find something that suits the rooms your windows are in.

Related Articles:

• European Tilt and Turn Windows: Pros and Cons
• Turning Your Attic into a Livable Space: What You Need to Know