What Is an Egress Window?

Egress windows are basement windows installed below ground level, which act as emergency exits. 

• Are Egress Windows Mandatory? 

These windows are now a regulatory requirement in finished basements that are being used as living spaces. They are required to ensure that anyone using the basement as a living space has an emergency exit in case of a fire or other hazard that prevents them from exiting safely via the main house. While you can choose to utilize your basement space without one, you cannot market it as finished when selling unless you have an egress window. 

They come in four main types and must meet certain sizing positions to be legally compliant. It is also a necessity to have an egress window well that is free of debris at all times. You can install a window well cover to keep this area clear, but it must be light enough to allow a young child or older person to lift if they need to exit the basement. 

• A Safe Means of Escape 

As it is becoming more and more common for homeowners to use their basement as a living space, regulatory bodies have come to see the need for a safe escape route from these areas. As stated, these windows are for when there is danger in going through the main house (for example, in case of a fire). As such, an egress window is, at its heart, a safety measure. 

Of course, there are other benefits to these larger than average basement windows. They also let in far more natural light than traditional basement windows, for example, and can let in fresh air. This makes the environment in a basement far more pleasant for those utilizing it. So, while egress windows are primarily a safety measure, that’s not all they are.