An egress window is a window that meets the requirements set forth by the International Residential Code (IRC) for emergency exits. These requirements include size (the opening must be a minimum of 5.7 square feet), height (the bottom of the opening must be no more than 44″ from the finished floor), and accessibility (the window must be easy to open without the use of tools). So why is having an egress window a good idea? For one, it provides a safe way to exit your home in the event of an emergency. Secondly, it can help improve the resale value of your home. And lastly, it can provide natural light and ventilation, which can help reduce energy costs.
In most older homes basement windows do not meet code for egress, therefore, the rooms are not legal living space and have less value than a code compliant room someone can sleep in. They’re typically made of materials that can rust, decompose or become food for bugs; necessitating replacement in the future. Worst of all, they do not give your family a way out in case of fire or other emergency.
Basement egress windows, installed by Standard Water Control in Minnesota and western Wisconsin can transform a dark and uninviting cellar into clean, code-compliant living space. Properly installed egress windows increases the value and beauty of your home – and most importantly – create an escape route for your family in case of emergency.