Do you know if you’re fulfilling all the local mode of egress (egress window) safety requirements? Especially the ones about your basement, where exits tend to be scarce. If not, keep reading! The purpose of a means of egress is to ensure that everyone can get out safely in the event of a fire or other emergency. Having a means of egress is not only required by law, but will give you peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Add Natural Lighting and Air
You might also be wondering how to introduce more natural lighting and fresh air into your home. Even finished basements can have stale air and rely on artificial lighting. With an egress window, you’ll not only enhance the safety and well-being of your family with a means of escape, but the fresh air will improve your home’s overall ventilation and increase natural lighting.
Keep Your Home To Code
The International Residential Code (IRC) states that at least one means of egress must be installed in every lower level bedroom. Additionally, at least one in each additional living area. Without an egress or means of escape, these rooms can become a dangerous fire trap. There are exact requirements that have to be met for the window, some of which include:
- Must be easily accessible from the inside.
- You should not need tools or keys to open it.
- Must adhere to specific measurements.
These windows must adhere to specific measurements. These specifications are meant to make them large enough for any person to escape. The egress well outside of the window has specific requirements as well, including a permanent ladder, depending on the height of the well. In order for your family to safely climb out of the home in the event of an emergency, egress wells should be designed and installed thoughtfully.
An Egress Window Can Add Value
Although the safety of your family is the priority, egress windows and wells don’t have to be ugly. In fact, they often add value to a home. Both the windows and wells can be made to look more aesthetically pleasing depending on your preferences. There are options to have built-in steps that are unobtrusive. Also, there’s a wide range of window treatments, even stained glass.
Hire Professionals
Installing these windows yourself can be an enormous chore. Then, there’s always a risk of not meeting code. Choosing to hire qualified professionals instead is well worth the installation costs.
If you have any type of livable space in the basement, then each room is required to have a means of egress. This includes, but is not limited to, a family room, office, or gym. Toledo Basement Repair offers a wide variety of solutions that we know meet the required IRC code. We also ensure that our egress windows are high-quality, up-to-code, and easy to open in the event of an emergency.
At Toledo Basement Repair, we offer free estimates on any egress installation, waterproofing, or other basement repairs. Have concerns about you home’s foundation? In addition to installing custom egress, we are also qualified to complete residential and commercial foundation repair and rehabilitation.
Finally, we’d like to address how we are protecting our customers from the spread of COVID-19. We are taking extraordinary safety precautions to prevent anyone from contracting or spreading the virus.
Limited Time Offer: Get 10% OFF your next service by mentioning that you’ve read this blog. Give us a call ASAP to get your project stared.