Why should you build an egress window
Home renovations and building projects can be quite tedious when it comes to building codes. Basements are fantastic for entertaining, working, and living in but could create safety risks for loved ones. To assist in the protection of individuals, the International Residential Code has mandated that every habitable room, especially rooms used for sleeping, in a basement is required by law to have an egress window for the safety of the building’s occupants. Before beginning or finishing your basement, here is some vital information that could save you time, money, and a lot of trouble.
What is an egress window?
Egress windows are secondary emergency escape options for habitable basement rooms. Additionally, since these widows face outside, egress windows provide natural lighting for underground rooms. Without egress windows, fires or other kinds of natural disasters could pose severe risks to anyone who could become trapped inside of the basement with no means of escape.
Here are just a few of the requirements of egress windows:
- The opening area of the window is a minimum of 5.7 square feet.
- Must be a minimum opening of 20 inches wide.
- Must be a minimum opening of 24 inches high.
- The bottom of the window cannot be higher than 44 inches from the floor.
- If the bottom of the window would be below ground level, then a window well is required.
- If the window well is deeper than 44 inches, a ladder or series of steps are required to enable must be attached.
- If covers or grates are desired, they must be able to be opened without special tools or equipment.
For more information about requirements for egress windows, please click here.
What should you do?
If you are well equipped and knowledgeable about construction or renovating, then planning ahead and following building codes may be sufficient to keep your family or other occupants safe. While this may be true, it may be beneficial to receive from trained professionals. Toledo Basement Repair is an industry leader. We offer free estimates on egress windows and any other basement needs to ensure that you are getting the best price from the top experts. Our goal is to help you create your dream home through basement construction, renovations, waterproofing, placing air ventilation, and providing a customized experience to increase the value of your home or business. Basement egresses are just one way we can assist you in maximizing the functionality and beauty of your home. Furthermore, we are also offering 10% off of your next basement service. If you want to learn more about us, you can click here to visit our website. Or give us a call at (419) 297-6138.
Your family’s safety is our number one priority as well is the safety of our workers. COVID-19 has affected us all and continues to do so today. We are dedicated to taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of our workers and your family alike.
Kevin Oberhouse was raised in Toledo with 7 siblings. Dawn and Kevin have four kids.
The Oberhouse family lives in the house Kevin built when with his first crew. Kevin’s parents invited more than 100 foster children into their home throughout his life. Kevin believes this part of his life really helped to build empathy for others.
Kevin has a degree in civil engineering and went on to get an MBA as well as multiple other certifications in structural systems, egress systems, air quality, and commercial and residential roofing, among many others.
Toledo Basement Repairs promises to treat you and your project with respect and our best professional judgment. There is plenty of work out there and Toledo Basement Repair will not push you into a system that you do not fully understand or feel comfortable with.
