Basement projects raise one critical safety question. If a fire blocks the stairs, how does someone get out? That answer depends on having an egress window with the correct size and placement to serve as a true emergency exit.
Egress window size requirements are designed around real escape conditions, not added light or visual appeal. The opening must allow an adult to exit quickly and safely when the main path out of the home is no longer usable.
What Is an Egress Window Used For?
An egress window is typically installed as a fire escape. It gives someone a way to climb out if a fire blocks the main route out of the basement.
People sometimes think it is installed to bring in more light. That is not the main purpose. The main purpose is a safe exit when the basement needs an escape route.
Egress Window Size Requirements by City
City requirements can vary. The typical goal stays the same. You want the opening big enough for somebody to fit through so they can climb out.
Most cities require the egress opening to be no higher than 44 inches from the floor. That height supports safe use for kids during a fire.
Key Takeaway: The egress needs to work as a real exit. Height and opening size should support a person climbing out when the stairs are not usable.
How Do We Install Egress Window Systems?
The units we install are commonly 48 by 48 with a five-foot well. The installation process is straightforward. Below is our step-by-step installation process:
- We dig a hole where the egress will be installed.
- We cut the opening.
- We frame the opening with treated lumber.
- We seal all the joints.
- We install the window.
- We bolt the well to the foundation.
What Goes Wrong Without Proper Drainage and Protection?
The biggest issue we see is when someone buys a “great deal” from a contractor who does not put in a footing drain. Heavy rain can turn the window well into an aquarium. That defeats the purpose.
We also focus on fall protection. We install a steel grate that keeps a large adult human from falling in. The well does not look like a far fall, and people often fall in because they do not know it is there. The well is about five to six feet deep. Falls can be uncomfortable and can lead to someone going through the window or landing on their head.
A clear cover goes on over the steel grate. It still allows light, and it keeps leaves out. Leaves love to collect in basement window areas. They can pile up until they block the drain and cause the well to fill with water.
Need expert help with installing an egress window that’s the correct size? Contact Foundation 1 for a free consultation.
Pro Tip: A footing drain, steel grate, and clear cover protect the egress system from turning into an aquarium, and they help prevent falls and leaf buildup.
How Does an Egress Add Value to a Finished Basement?
There are variables to consider. If you install an egress window in a finished basement, the finished area where the window is installed turns into living space. If it is a bedroom, it can be conforming to the point where all you need is a closet.
This also adds square footage of livable space to your home. A $5,000 egress will typically increase your value by $15,000, depending on how many square feet it adds. It is also a strong selling point when you can show a conforming bedroom with a fire escape.
Schedule an Egress Consultation With Foundation 1
If you are finishing a basement or creating a conforming bedroom, we can install the window, well, grate, and cover using a clear, proven process. Call Foundation 1 to schedule a quote and get an egress plan built for real safety and real resale value.
