What Are Egress Windows and Why You Need Them
An egress window is a large window designed to be an alternate emergency exit or fire escape, especially in basements and bedrooms. They create a safe environment for your home.
Whenever there’s an emergency and you need to escape quickly, sometimes the front door isn’t an option. In those instances, you’ll need to have a second way out. Egress windows must meet certain requirements that allow you to safely escape, as well as provide a large enough space for first responders to comfortably crawl through while wearing full protective gear.
Older homes may not be equipped with egress windows, so keep this in mind when renovating or updating your existing windows.
Egress Window Size Requirements
Egress windows need to be large enough for you to crawl through. To comply with the International Residential Code (IRC) measurements, ensure you meet the following egress window requirements:
- The width must be 20 inches or more.
- The height must be 24 inches or more.
- The net clear opening — the actual opening space that a person can crawl through — must be 5.7 square feet or larger. For ground-floor windows, the net clear opening must be 5 square feet or larger.
Keep in mind these are general IRC guidelines and local municipalities can override these guidelines.
Also, the windows must be operational from the inside without the assistance of keys or other tools. If grates, grills or bars are on the windows, they must still allow for the minimum opening standards.
Codes will vary based on the city and state in which you reside, but you must still comply with the egress window dimensions and requirements mentioned above.
The IRC pertains to detached one- and two-family dwellings and town houses not more than three stories above grade plane in height.
Check with your local zoning department for guidelines on window specifics in your area.
Sliding Egress Windows
Unlike some other windows, sliding egress windows, also called gliding windows, aren’t hinged. They slide horizontally along tracks at the bottom and top of the window frame. These windows have an opening that’s only half as wide as the window, so they need to be wider to comply with the IRC.
Casement Egress Windows
Casement egress windows are the most popular type of egress windows. Since these are side-hinged and swing out like a door, they work well in small spaces and as basement egress windows. Make sure to verify the correct hinge type that’s compatible with casement egress windows before purchasing as the hinge opening for egress is different from regular hinges.
Most casement windows have a hand crank, lever or handle that allows you to open the window wider than a standard window. Some casement windows you can simply push open.
Single Hung Egress Windows
Single hung egress windows are usually large and have two panes of glass. The top sash is stationary, while the bottom moves up and down.
Double Hung Egress Windows
Like single hung egress windows, double hung egress windows are large, have two panes and don’t have hinges. For variety, both the top and bottom sash can be raised and lowered.
Egress Window Wells
A finished basement that’s below grade, has any habitable space, like a bedroom, den or family room, and doesn’t have a door that leads outside is required to have an egress window with a well. An egress window well must:
- Provide at least 9 square feet of space
- Project out from the outside foundation wall at least 36 inches
- Be at least 36 inches wide
- Have a ladder, if the well is deeper than 44 inches below grade, that’s at least 12 inches wide
The window well must also have a ladder or stairs to allow you to climb up to the yard level. Some egress windows have built-in steps. All homes are required to have at least two means of exit from the structure. An egress window well counts for one egress point.
To keep window wells free from small animals, falling leaves, snow and other debris, homeowners often use egress window covers. These are made of sturdy materials like polycarbonate plastic or metal and can be easily opened or removed from the inside in case of an emergency.
Walkout basements won’t need egress windows in most cases because the door serves as an alternate exit and means of escape from the home in the event of a fire.