Egress windows are more than just windows, they are a whole window system to make sure you and your family are safe in an emergency situation. These window systems could save your life in an emergency like a fire or flood. Along with protecting your home, these windows bring light and fresh air into lower levels, making them feel bigger and brighter. Whether you’re renovating or want to make sure your house meets safety standards, knowing about egress window systems is important.
What is an Egress Window?
Egress windows are windows large enough that you can escape through them in an emergency. The door is designed to open easily and be big enough for you to climb through quickly. When there are no other exits during an emergency, these windows are especially important in basements and sleeping areas. Beyond safety, egress windows have other benefits: they let in lots of natural light and can make underground rooms feel less like a basement and more like part of your home. Egress systems also have a drainage system added so that the window well does not flood or pool up with water during a heavy rain storm.
Do I Need an Egress Window System?
Whether or not you need an egress window system installed depends on your home’s layout and your local building codes. In general, if you have a window in the basement, you need an egress window for safety. Especially if there is a bedroom in the basement. If you do not have an egress window system on your home now, it is not required, but you may have to get an egress window system installed if you want to sell your property in order to bring your home up to standard code.
When determining whether you need these windows in your home, asking yourself the following questions can help clarify your needs and ensure compliance with safety regulations:
- Do I have a basement or any room below ground level?
- Rooms below ground, especially basements, often require egress windows as emergency exits.
- Is there a bedroom in the basement?
- If you have a bedroom in the basement, an egress window is typically required to provide a safe exit in case of emergencies.
- Am I planning to remodel my basement into a living space?
- Converting your basement into a habitable space like a living room or bedroom usually requires installing an egress window.
- Does my current basement window meet the local building code requirements for egress windows?
- Check if existing windows comply with the minimum size, height, and width requirements stipulated by your local building codes.
- Am I familiar with the building codes in my area regarding egress windows?
- Knowing your local building codes is crucial, as these regulations can vary. Understanding them ensures that any installations or renovations comply with safety standards.
- How old is my home?
- Older homes might not meet current egress window requirements, especially if they haven’t been updated or if the basement was finished before current codes were established.
- What is the purpose of the room where I’m considering an egress window?
- Consider the room’s purpose; if it’s a space where people sleep or spend a lot of time, having an egress window is not just legally required but also a practical safety measure.
- Is there another safe exit available from the basement or room in question?
- If there are no other safe exits, installing an egress window becomes even more critical to ensure safety.
New York State Code Requirements for Egress Windows
- It must be possible to open the window from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or other special skills.
- Basements with multiple sleeping rooms require an egress in each bedroom.
- There must be an unobstructed opening of at least 5.7 square feet. If the opening is below grade or on a grade floor, this requirement drops to 5 sq. ft.
- You must have a clear opening with a height of at least 24″ and a width of at least 20″.
- There can be no more than 44 inches of gap between the sill and the floor.
- There must be a window well if the sill height is below grade.
- If necessary, the window well must be at least 9 square feet with a horizontal projection of 36 inches wide.
- If the window well is deeper than 44″, permanent steps or a ladder must be installed that do not obstruct the window’s opening.
Why Are Egress Window Laws in Place?
Egress window laws exist primarily to ensure safety in residential buildings. Here are a few reasons why these regulations are critical:
- Emergency Exits: In emergencies like fires, floods, or gas leaks, quick and accessible exits can be lifesaving. Egress windows provide a direct route out of the house, particularly from basement levels where other exits may be obstructed.
- Rescue Access: These windows are not only for occupants to escape but also for emergency responders to enter. The size regulations ensure that firefighters can get into the house through these windows if other entrances are blocked.
- Air and Light: These regulations also promote better living conditions by ensuring that underground rooms have access to natural light and ventilation, which are essential for health and comfort.
Simply said, the laws around egress windows are designed to protect homeowners and residents by minimizing the risk of injury or death during emergencies and improving the quality of living spaces.
Popular Egress Window Styles
There are different styles of egress windows to suit various needs, budgets, and preferences. Here are some common types:
- Casement Windows: These are popular for egress purposes because they swing open like a door, providing a large opening that is easy to exit through. They are hinged on one side and open outward, maximizing the available space for escape.
- Brands like Ideal Windows specialize in robust casement windows that combine functionality with safety.
- Sliding Windows: Sliding egress windows are also used, especially where space outside the window might not accommodate a swinging window. They slide horizontally and provide ample space for an adult to climb through.
- Pella offers high-quality sliding windows that not only meet egress standards but also enhance energy efficiency and visual appeal.
- Single or Double-Hung Windows: While not as common for egress due to their size constraints, newer models can be designed to meet egress requirements. This window style has both upper and lower sashes that can be opened, though typically, only one half opens at a time.
- Renewal by Andersen provides double-hung windows that are specifically engineered to comply with egress requirements while offering superior durability and weather resistance.
- Tilt-and-Turn Windows: These windows can tilt inwards at the top for ventilation or swing in like a door. When fully opened, they provide an easy exit route and, if large enough, can meet egress requirements. This style is versatile and ideal for those looking for multifunctional window solutions in their egress setups.
Egress windows are more than just a legal requirement—they are a crucial safety feature for any home with below-grade spaces. By ensuring these windows are correctly installed and maintained, you can significantly enhance the safety and functionality of your home.
Start Your Egress Window Project with Unified Home Remodeling Today.
Interested in enhancing the safety and value of your home with egress windows? Contact Unified Home Remodeling today for expert advice and egress window installation services. Let us help you meet safety standards while improving the comfort and appeal of your living space. Visit our local showrooms or call us at 888-631-2131 to get started.