Egress windows are intended to provide a point of rescue for bedrooms and other areas inside your home if a fire or other emergency situation should arise. These exit windows are required in all residences under the International Residential Code (IRC 2015). This code is updated every three years and provides guidelines on maintaining safety and ensuring quality in the residential construction and remodeling industry. Enlisting the help of a qualified Milwaukee basement contractor can ensure that these windows are installed properly and according to all applicable codes for their construction.
What Are Egress Windows?
Egress windows are intended to provide emergency exits from your home and must be easily operated from inside the home without keys or tools. Making sure your home’s egress windows are in compliance with all codes and regulations can help you ensure that your family members are safe and can be extricated from your home easily. Rooms that have doors leading directly to the outside do not require an egress window.
General Requirements for Egress Windows
Construction codes require that egress windows must meet a number of requirements, including the following:
* Egress windows must be at least 24 inches in height.
* The width of these windows must be 20 inches or wider to ensure an easy exit for adults as well as children.
* The net opening space for exiting these windows must be at least 5.7 square feet for upper floor windows and 5 square feet for ground floor window openings.
* Windowsills for egress windows must be less than 44 inches from the floor.
Working with an established Milwaukee basement contractor can provide you with the most effective and structurally sound windows for bedrooms and other living areas of your home. This can provide you with added peace of mind about the safety of your family if an emergency situation occurs.
Types of Egress Windows
Especially for basement installations, casement windows can be a good choice for your home. These windows offer easy-open functionality and require little or no added space to install. Double-hung windows may also be an option for your Milwaukee home but may require a larger space for installation to ensure an easy pathway to safety for your family members.
At Accurate Basement Repair, we are a reliable Milwaukee basement contractor with a proven record for quality workmanship in our area. We can design and install egress windows to keep your home up to code and your family safer. Call us today at 414-744-6900 to schedule an appointment with us. We think you will be glad you did.
