An important part of being a homeowner is making sure the house is safe for the entire family, and a critical aspect of ensuring this is by paying special attention to the windows. Primarily, the egress windows in each room. Whether you are building from scratch or are undergoing a remodeling project, it’s important to incorporate these specialized window installations to protect the inhabitants and meet legal codes for home improvement projects.

FAQ About Egress Windows

What exactly is an egress window?

The word egress translates to “a path out” or “to emerge,” which is what these windows are designed for. In a sense, they almost act like another exit or entry door in the case of emergencies, they have size requirements and have to be large enough so that a resident can easily get out and first responders can get in.

Where am I required to install egress windows?

Building codes require that every home has an egress window in each room that is used for sleeping, so any bedroom must come with these window installations. This includes basement expansion home improvement projects, with the new sleeping areas requiring at least one.

Are there minimum requirements I must meet?

Regulations are very firm as to what classifies as an egress window. At a minimum, the window must have an opening that is at least 20 inches by 24 inches, and it can’t be more than 44 inches above the floor. Also, regulations dictate that it has a net clear opening of 5.7 square feet or more, unless it’s on the ground floor, at which point it only needs to be 5.0 square feet or more.

Will I need to have my window installation inspected?

To certify that the construction is not in violation, a home inspector will have to come out. The inspector measures the windows to ensure they meet the necessary requirements and will also check each bedroom or basement living space to verify the proper windows have been installed. If you meet these requirements, the home will pass the inspection.

If you need help with an egress window installation, contact the experts at Murphy Home Improvement in Cincinnati, OH. With over 30 years of home improvement experience, their talented team of contractors always strives to achieve 100% customer satisfaction, and they have the knowledge and tools needed to install your new window quickly and reliably, taking all measures needed to ensure you pass inspection. Schedule an appointment by calling (513) 922-8989 or learn more online.