What are the Requirements for Egress Windows?

Here is a scenario, your family is growing and you are thinking of adding a finished basement, but first you need to make sure your foundation is secure. Second, you know you need egress windows for safety. Before you add a bedroom or two to your basement, it is probably a good idea to know the requirements for egress windows, and why they are important. 

IWP Foundation Repair consists of a team of egress window experts. And we can help you understand the requirements for egress windows, and help you get them installed. We can also help you inspect your foundation before you finish that basement! Let’s take a closer look at THE IRC or International Residential Code for egress windows. (There may be variations for state to state, but this code must be met as well:

First and Foremost? It’s an Emergency Exit

Because the main purpose of egress windows is to provide an emergency escape in case of fire, flooding, or other emergency. These requirements exist:

• The bottom of the egress window opening can’t exceed 44” from the finished floor. Think about it: the window should be where anyone small or tall can reach up to it to crawl out.
• The minimum egress window opening height is 24” high. Windows should swing inward and open easily, and this height allows an average person to crawl through.
• The minimum egress window opening is 20” wide. The overall theme here, the window has to be large enough for an escape route in an emergency.
  
  

At IWP Foundation Repair, we know how to properly install your egress windows. In addition, we have years of experience. Take a look at some of our work in the gallery below.