Egress windows can seem like a scary topic at first, especially if you’ve never thought about them before. But don’t worry! They’re just another type of window with special requirements based on code to be safe and functional to use in your home. Here are some basics every homeowner should know about egress windows and how they work—especially if you have any in your home!
What are Egress Windows?
Egress windows provide an escape route in case of fire or other emergencies. The term egress window describes a window that provides an exit from an interior room, structure, or building. Egress windows are required by building codes worldwide and must meet specific requirements to ensure that they can be opened safely in an emergency.
What are Window Wells?
Now that we know what egress windows are, it’s important to be aware of window wells which are an integral part of your egress window system. Window wells are U-shaped, ribbed metal or plastic products that let natural light into below-ground rooms and are made to fit perfectly around basement windows while leaving a gap between the window and the ground. However, window wells have a purpose beyond only keeping the elements out of your basement windows; they safeguard your house’s very foundation!
Requirements for an Egress Window
For a window to be considered an egress window, it has to follow the following basic requirements prescribed by the International Building Codes.
- It is not permissible to have an egress window lower sill more than 44 inches above the finished floor.
- The smallest possible size for an egress window opening is 5.7 square feet.
- Openings in egress windows must be at least 24 inches high.
- All egress windows must have a minimum opening size of 20 inches.
- To provide at least the bare minimum of adequate natural light, the glass area of the egress window must be at least 8% of the total floor area of the room it is being installed in.
- It is required that the opening area of the egress window be at least 4% of the room’s total floor area for which it is providing ventilation.
- In cases where a single window cannot achieve these minimums as a share of the total floor space, multiple windows may be used to serve the same room. So long as the sum of the quantities from these windows adds up to at least 8% for natural light and 4% for natural ventilation, you’ll be good to go.
5 Benefits of getting Egress Windows
Egress windows are a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. They are also an important safety feature that can help you stay safe in an emergency. Here are some reasons why egress windows are worth considering!
Air Circulation
The basement is probably the most neglected part of your home, receiving little to no natural light. Ventilation is typically lacking in such a dark and damp area. Thus egress windows are a great addition. An egress window provides an opening for natural light and fresh air to sweep in, improving mood and lowering stress levels. To “air out” your basement properly, you can open the egress window and any other suitable windows. Even though there is limited room for windows in a basement, even a single egress window that allows for sufficient ventilation is advantageous. Mold and mildew are also inhibited, which can cause respiratory issues and allergy symptoms.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Even though it’s not visible from the street, that doesn’t mean that egress windows don’t benefit from a dash of flair. Many window installers provide a variety of egress window styles, including casement windows, in-swing single-hung windows, and sliding windows. They also provide choices for basement egress window wells, which can be used to make a safe exit route and can be blended into the garden. You can use this variety and decorate the basement however you like. You can personalize it according to your style by adding decor items, paintings, indoor plants, mirrors, and more!
Safety
Household fires are a leading source of accidental death and severe injury worldwide. An egress window allows you to escape from your home if there were to be an emergency, such as a fire or flood. Having them installed in your home can be crucial if you live in a high-rise apartment building or another multi-story residence where fire escapes are unavailable. As basements often don’t have any other exit means, these windows are crucial if you plan on using your basement as a living space, whether for amusement, an extra bedroom, or even a band rehearsal space.
Pathway for Sunshine
Daylighting, or the practice of maximizing sunshine to illuminate a space, is popular among homeowners since it has been shown to positively affect sleep quality, duration, and circadian rhythm regulation. Egress windows provide plenty of natural sunlight into any room, but they are especially useful in lower building levels, such as basements. This natural light helps reduce energy consumption by saving electricity during the day, which is also cost-effective. The increased air circulation also reduces the trace of contaminants and allergens, significantly improving the indoor air quality of your home.
Great Investment
Installing egress windows can help you transform an extra home space into a livable option, allowing you to lawfully advertise the basement as a bedroom, office, or playroom. The value increase from installing an egress window is comparable to the increase from installing any other house improvement, although it depends on the home’s location. Having an egress window installed might cost you around $6,000. Think of it as a wise investment because, on average, a property with an extra bedroom may fetch an additional $20,000.
Conclusion
With so many incredible benefits, it’s no wonder that nowadays, more and more people are integrating egress windows into their homes. An egress window is the best investment you can make to your property, which can also help to protect your family when required!
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