Again the intent is to provide a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency, for example a fire. These requirements can be found in Section R310 of the IRC. Egress windows must meet specific size requirements to allow for an easy exit and access.Ī lot of people will refer to the term “Egress Windows” when in reality the code references “Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening”. These windows are typically installed in bedrooms, basements, and sleeping rooms to ensure that occupants can escape in the event of a fire, earthquake, or other emergency situation. What is an Egress Window?Īn egress window is a window of a certain size that provides a safe exit from a building in case of an emergency. Please note that these requirements can be specific from city, county, or state therefore it is best to contact your local authority having jurisdiction to see what these requirements are.Īs for a general understanding of these requirements, let us look at the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) for what the minimum standards are. Building codes change over time and what was once acceptable in older homes might not be under current code when an alteration occurs. Have you ever applied for a building permit to change out your old outdated windows with new energy efficient windows for your home only to find out that some of the windows don’t meet the window egress requirements? This not only looks great from the inside, but a clean window well can make an emergency escape easier and less stressful.įor more information on window well liners or egress window requirements, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Windowell Expressions. With surface materials that stay cleaner and are easier to wipe down, you’ll be able to keep your well bright and clean. Besides looking expensive and adding value to your home, your window well liner can actually keep your window well cleaner. With a variety of patterns, colors, and textures, Windowell Expressions can help you find the perfect window well liner for your home. Once you’ve met all the functional requirements for your window well, why not have a little fun and make it a beautiful addition to your home as well as a safety measure? Windowell Expressions offers beautiful window well liners to make the view from your egress window a complimentary one to your living space. So not only should you have an emergency escape ladder in your window well, but if you have a very deep window well you must. These may seem like a lot of requirements for a simple ladder, but having a proper sized ladder, properly placed will ensure that your family members will be able to get out of the basement as easily as possible. But, it must not be further than 6 inches from the back wall. The rungs must be at least 12 inches wide and the ladder must project at least 3 inches away from the back wall. As you shop, you’ll want to look for a ladder with rungs that are close enough to allow for easily climbing they should not be more than 18 inches apart. Your ladder may encroach into the window well up to 6 inches. There are a few other requirements you’ll need to keep in mind as you consider installing an emergency escape ladder. Not only should you have one, but it should be permanently attached to the inside of your window well. Technically, if your window well is deeper than 44 inches, you are required to have an emergency escape ladder. Egress ladders or steps are available for purchase, but should you have an emergency escape ladder in your window well? Besides having an egress window, there are a few other ways you can make it easier for loved ones to use these windows as an exit. It also allows firefighters to enter the home through the basement if necessary. In the case of an emergency, these requirements allow occupants to easily escape through the window to safety. An egress window must be at least 20 inches wide, 24 inches high, and can’t be more than 44 inches above the floor. An egress window is a window, particularly in bedrooms, that meet certain dimension requirements. When it comes to your basement, this is easily achieved with an egress window. Having an emergency exit in your basement is a requirement put in place to keep you and your family safe.
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