A basement without an egress window is like a house with its front door locked up. If you don’t have one, it will be difficult for people to exit the premises when necessary and dangerous since they won’t know what’s happening outside!
The code requires that you provide at least one-half inch of clear space around the edge for safe evacuation during emergencies. Egress windows can be found in all residential buildings and commercial spaces with more than three floors, such as malls or office buildings! Contact a basement egress window installation service to get it done!
Things to know about basement egress windows
Before installing basement egress windows in your home, it’s essential to determine how large a window you need. The size of your egress window is determined by the header, a beam installed when you remove a foundation wall. A header runs perpendicular to the floor joists. If you are unsure of the size of your header, ask a structural engineer.
Cost
The cost of installing basement egress windows can vary greatly. The current window can cost thousands of dollars, and several steps are involved in installing it properly. First, excavation work is necessary to cut the window well and install the new unit. The window size is a factor, but it is relatively minor. The window should be of a size that meets the local building codes. Typically, basement egress windows are side-to-side sliding windows, but if you’re looking for a more traditional style, you may consider a casement window.
In addition to the window unit itself, you’ll need to purchase a window well to accommodate it. Since the window well is large, the installation process will require significant excavation. If you don’t have the knowledge or experience to do this project yourself, you should hire a professional to do the job.
The best option for most homeowners is to opt for a prefabricated egress window. These windows are available in many sizes and cost much less than a customized model. The higher end of the cost spectrum includes more intricate models made from rare materials.
Size
To ensure a safe exit from a basement, a window is required. However, it is not enough to add one. The window must also be large enough to accommodate a ladder. For this reason, the size of egress windows should be larger than the width of the well. The height, however, must be smaller. The width, however, should be larger than the length. While the cost of the window is relatively low, the actual expense of construction is the window well.
It is essential to install an egress window on the second level, especially a bedroom. Otherwise, the stairwell may become unusable during a fire. If it becomes too difficult for people to escape, a single stairwell may become blocked, leaving no way out for the family or tenants. This can also prevent the occupants from escaping through a basement.
As the number of Americans aging, homes are getting bigger. This means that people are looking for more usable space, and they want their basement to be one of those usable areas. Whether you plan to use the space as a bedroom or an office, the potential is there. Whether you convert your basement into a bedroom depends on where you place the window. It can be easy or expensive, depending on the design and layout of the room in which you plan to install it.
Safety factor
When renovating a finished basement, you’ll want to incorporate a safety factor. Egress windows, also known as Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening, are necessary to convert a basement into a livable space. They serve two functions: a secondary exit for emergency personnel and a means of escape if a fire breaks out. Basement egress windows have two primary purposes: they let in natural light and improve overall square footage, and they can be installed in any room of the house. You can also purchase egress windows with nice interior trim to match your current home.
When installing basement egress windows, make sure to measure your window well. It should be at least five feet wide and six inches deep. Climbing aids such as ladders or step stools must not extend more than five inches into the window well. The rungs of a ladder or step must be at least 12 inches wide and six inches deep. In addition to the window well size, your egress window needs to have a ladder or step riser that can be used without the help of a key.
Final Take
When installing basement egress windows, ensure that the window’s location is accessible from a public street. The window’s size and type will determine the cost. If it needs to be inserted into an existing basement wall, you’ll need to cut through the wall and excavate a hole.
Read more articles like Do Classroom Doors Have To Have Windows? and What Type Of Drywall Should Be Used In A Basement?
