EGRESS WINDOW INSTALLATION

If you are planning a basement remodel or converting your basement into a living or sleeping space, you may have heard that you need egress windows. But what are they? An egress window is a type of window you would use in case of an emergency, like a house fire. Its main purpose is to allow you to escape or to allow a firefighter to gain access.

Egress windows are required in new construction homes, but older homes may not have them. Depending on how old your house is, it’s possible that your basement has windows with a smaller opening than required by the International Residential Code. It is now more popular to use basements as a living room, bedroom, office space, gym, etc., so it is important to make sure your home has this often overlooked safety feature. IWP has all the info you need to learn more about egress windows.

Many homes across America have basements and use them for any number of things --from storage, to extra bedrooms, to hangout spaces for the whole family. Basements are perfect for all of these things, but it’s still important to remember safety. It is likely that the contractor that built your home took into account the best safety practices, but egress windows are often considered an extra. Egress windows are important because they can offer a life-saving escape route in case of fire. You don’t want to take any chances with your family’s health and safety. What are the benefits of an egress window? They include:

• Life-saving exit route in case of a fire in the stairwell
• Adds natural light to your very dark basement space
• Adds value for future potential buyers
• Brings your basement up to code and keeps you safe

The simplest answer is safety. They can likely save your life in case of a fire emergency. However, there are plenty of other reasons to install an egress window in your home! 

• Provide a life-saving exit in case of a fire emergency.
• Natural light will pour into your otherwise dark basement.
• Potential future homebuyers are attracted to homes with egress windows.
• If they are code in your area, it will bring your basement to code.
• If you plan on finishing your basement in the future, you will be all ready to go.
• Promote healthy ventilation in your basement.
• Your home’s value is raised by adding egress windows.
• Your basement will more likely remain comfortable and dry.

To make sure that egress windows are safe, they must comply with the following measurement requirements:

• Maximum of 44″ off the finished floor
• Minimum opening area of 5.7 square feet
• Minimum opening height of 24″
• Window opening at least 20″ wide

They must also be able to open from the inside, and there cannot be any structures obstructing the opening, like grilles or bars.

IWP offers three types of egress windows: concrete, fiberglass, and corrugated metal. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses, and we are willing to help you find the best option for you.

• Concrete: Concrete window wells are a great option because they are strong and durable. You wouldn’t need to worry about rust, rotting, or UV degradation.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass wells are perfect for moisture resistance because they will not rust. These usually come in different colors that you can match to the look of your home.
• Corrugated Metal: This is the most common option. Corrugated metal has a simple sleek look, and a galvanized coating can help prevent rust for increased durability.

An egress needs a sump pump to prevent water accumulation in the area, particularly in basements or crawlspaces where the egress window is located. 

Without a sump pump, water from heavy rains or melting snow can enter through the egress and flood the space, leading to potential damage, mold growth, and structural issues.

 The sump pump helps manage and expel excess water, keeping the area dry and ensuring the egress remains functional and safe for use.

To determine if your home has drain tile, start by checking the basement or crawlspace for any visible drainage pipes or a perforated system near the foundation walls or floor. You might also look for signs of drainage systems, such as sump pumps or water collection pits, which often accompany drain tile systems.

If your home was built before 1985, chances are it does not have drain tile.

Another way to see if you have drain tile, you can check for these signs:

• 1 Hole: Exterior Drain Tile only
• 2 Holes: Interior Drain Tile  only
• 3 Holes: Interior and Exterior Drain Tile