An egress window, also known as a window with emergency escape or a passageway for escape, is needed for every basement bedroom in your home.
WHY AN EGRESS WINDOW IS NECESSARY?
An egress window is required by law. Many people think their basement is safe from potential disasters like floods or fires, but that isn’t always true. Everyone needs an egress window! If you have been thinking about adding an egress window to your home, read on—we can help!
Hole in the Wall offers professional Egress Window Installation. Fill in the form online and get a free quote today!
THE REASON?
While each state has its own regulations regarding how big of an opening must be created, there are some general rules of thumb to follow when determining what size your new egress window should be. In most cases, the width of an egress window should be at least 36 inches wide. It should also measure at least 24 inches high (including any bar/grate overhang) and 24 inches deep.
WHAT SIZE EGRESS WINDOW DO I NEED?
Proper egress window size is significant because of your home’s fire code, which requires a clear escape route for residents in case of an emergency. In addition, many cities need egress windows or back doors to maintain free access from your home during storms or high water.
Your local city may also have laws related to proper egress window size, which means making sure your choice meets their requirements and provides adequate access if there are hazardous conditions outside. Make sure you confirm that any replacement windows meet these codes before installing them—you don’t want to face fines just when you thought you were improving your property! The suitable materials can make all the difference too.
If you want to ensure that it complies with egress window requirements and all local building codes, it might be wise to consult with a professional before making any decisions independently.
Get professional egress window installation consultation from Hole in the Wall. Fill in the form online today1
WHAT MAKES A BASEMENT EGRESS WINDOW LEGAL?
Depending on where you live and who you hire for installation, the cost will vary, but rest assured that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg—for both material and labor.
Get your free quote by filling in the form online, and we’ll get back to you.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO INSTALL AN EGRESS WINDOW?
Do you want your egress windows overlooking a porch or garden? If you live in a cold climate, make sure your windows are placed above 8 feet off ground level, so snow doesn’t build up. Egress window covers aren’t just for insulation; they also add curb appeal to your home. Before shopping for an egress window, it’s essential to check with local code offices about window sizing requirements and installation.
Many states require a minimum amount of square footage for every room and require that at least one window can be used as an emergency exit. Other considerations include ensuring your new windows meet height restrictions and comply with current egress window codes (like width-to-height ratio).
For more information on specific measurements, fill in the form online and get a free quote today.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT EGRESS WINDOWS FOR YOUR NEEDS
There are two types of basement windows available.
Manual Egress Window
Manual egress windows can be opened from the inside, which makes it a lot easier for anyone inside when something goes wrong in case of any emergency. These windows help out a lot if there’s smoke due to fire or other reasons. These windows provide fresh air supply to those stuck inside their houses with doors closed during emergencies. A good company will install these egress window sizes so they don’t need too much effort to open them as well as they won’t break easily either.
Fixed Egress Window
The second type of basement window is called a fixed egress window cover. These windows aren't nearly as easy to install as regular ones, but they are safe for various reasons when installed correctly. The glass panes in fixed egress windows have a safety mechanism that locks them in place so no one can break or push them out during an emergency situation. It helps protect children from accidentally falling into basements and prevents intruders from entering homes via these basement windows.
Both types have different requirements set by law about how big they should be, where exactly they should be installed, etc. You must check all these things before getting one installed at your place. You should make sure that you go through the egress window size chart before deciding on one.
TYPES OF BASEMENT WINDOWS AVAILABLE:
Common myths about egress windows that aren't true include concerns about installation.
1. Requires Re-bricking House
Contrary to popular belief, an egress window doesn't require re-bricking a house's exterior; it simply requires adding an addition with a short staircase leading up to it.
2. Can’t Be Installed on a Finished Basement
It doesn’t matter if you have a finished basement; professional contractors can make a hole in your window quite efficiently without causing any damage to your house or property in any way.
3. It Needs an Additional Exhaust Fan
Another myth about egress windows that should be debunked is that they need ventilation. While most people think you have to have an exhaust fan with an egress window in your home, which is not true—an egress window doesn't require ventilation or air circulation of any kind, which means there's no need for an exhaust fan.
4. Must Be Made Out of Wood
It is a common misconception that egress windows must be made out of wood. This isn't true, either; you can get an egress window in many different materials, including steel or aluminum.
5. Expensive and Not Worth It
Egress windows are indeed expensive. While it's true that you can spend a lot of money on an egress window, especially if you go with a custom design, there are plenty of affordable pre-made options. In the long run, egress windows give you a better return in terms of home value, so the money really goes into the property.
6. You Can Do it Yourself
While this guide may have made it sound like installing a basement egress window is simple and straightforward, you shouldn’t ever consider doing it yourself because of the risk of a construction site. You should always leave basement window installation to the professionals who use special tools and equipment to get the job done.
5 COMMON MYTHS ABOUT ADDING AN EGRESS WINDOW:
You should never cut corners when it comes to your egress window installation. Adding an egress window is serious business that shouldn’t be overlooked.
1. Acquiring Your Local Egress Window Code
To begin the process of adding an egress window, you’ll first have to check your local building codes. In some areas, new homes must have a secondary emergency exit. It may make sense for you to add an egress window even if you don’t have any plans in the near future to use it as a means of escape.
2. Measurements
Once that step is complete, you’ll need the measurements of your opening and speak with an egress window installation company like Hole in the Wall and discuss the whole action of the plan. Once you’ve had your opening measured and your installation plan set, it’s time to get cracking.
3. Cutting a Hole in the Wall
After you have hired a contractor, they usually cover the next steps. Your contractor will now cut a hole in the wall as big as the egress window so it can perfectly fit in. This requires using special equipment and tools that only professional egress window installers can execute.
4. Leveling
They will create a level base for installing your new egress window. It will help ensure that your final product is level, which will make it easier to operate and safer for use if there is ever an emergency.
5. Installing
Your contractor will now install the framing for your new egress window unit by nailing or screwing each piece into place on top of a 2×4 base structure (made from 2×4 boards).
6. Concrete Repair Filling
Now that your egress window installation is complete, it’s time to turn your attention toward fixing those pesky cracks in your basement floor with some concrete repair. Once your insulation is in place, it’s time to apply liquid cement crack filler over any gaps that exist in your concrete basement floor. If you don’t fill these cracks before adding more concrete, water may seep through them and cause further damage to your foundation.
6 STEPS INVOLVED IN ADDING AN EGRESS WINDOW:
To many homeowners, installing concrete basement flooring seems like a daunting task. However, with a few simple considerations in mind, you’ll be well on your way to turning an eyesore into an asset. To get started, let’s look at some of the most common myths about installing concrete basement flooring.
Myth #1: You can do it yourself at home.
Most DIY projects are relatively easy for an average homeowner if sufficient planning is involved. For example, filling cracks in cement can seem an easy job because it sounds like all you have to do is fill in a bunch of cracks. But the truth is that it requires various tools and chemicals to complete correctly.
Myth #2: It’s not that important.
Filling cracks in cement is actually one of the most critical steps in basement flooring installation. Cracks can compromise a basement’s structural integrity, so you must fill them appropriately before installing your new floor. Hire a professional to fill in concrete and get rid of those gaps properly. A few cracks here and there are okay, but if you notice more than a couple, you should consider filling them with concrete before laying down your new floor.
Myth #3: You can fill cracks in cement with just any old concrete.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when filling cracks in cement is using ready-mix, bagged concrete instead of liquid cement crack filler. Bagged concrete isn’t mixed together properly and can create a weak, powdery product that won’t fill in larger cracks—only small ones.
3 COMMON MYTHS ABOUT CONCRETE BASEMENT CRACK FILLING:
When installing new concrete floors, people's number one mistake is not following their local building codes regarding egress windows. The second-biggest mistake is not filling cracks in the driveway fast enough or at all. Cracks in concrete are inevitable; they will develop over time—we can’t stop that. But what we can do is fill them properly so they don’t become structural issues down the road.
If you see a crack forming, pour some water before it gets too big. Don’t let your basement walls get wet! Water causes moisture to seep through concrete walls and leads to mold growth, making everyone sick. You want your home’s basement dry as a bone! The next step is to hire a professional contractor for fixing the cracks in concrete.
COMMON MISTAKES OF CONCRETE CRACK REPAIR AND HOW TO AVOID THEM:
If you’re on the hunt for a reliable and trustworthy basement window installer, then you’re in luck! Hole in the Wall is a father-son duo, expertly installing egress windows in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan. Hole in the Wall can get the job done for you in only a day with the right tools and expertise, having many successful installations under their belt.
Fill in the online form, and we’ll get back to you for your basement egress window installation..
HOLE IN THE WALL PROVIDES THE BEST EGRESS WINDOW INSTALLATION IN NORTHERN INDIANA AND SOUTHERN MICHIGAN
