Egress windows are those little obscure windows in the basement that you sometimes wish you could cover permanently. However, there is so much more to these windows than people give credit to.
Home safety
Egress windows are nothing but a nuisance to many homeowners. They are the entry point for burglars and pests. Many homeowners see them as an extra thing to maintain in the home. They feel it would be easier if the space was sealed completely.
Most homeowners who appreciate these windows are those who have finished basements. These windows allow natural light into the space. They are also vital for ventilation.
However, there is much more to these windows than that. They are important for the health and safety of your household. This is because the basement is a particularly high risk area in the home. This window can therefore mean the difference between life and death for you and your family.
There are various occasions when these windows will come in handy.
- Fires
Fires can happen without warning and spread in a matter of minutes. They may occur anywhere in the home where there are appliances, furniture and other flammable materials that may have been left unattended for a while.
It is common for these fires to originate in the kitchen, bedroom or basement. Having a means to exit the home is crucial. In many cases, traditional exits such as doors to the outside or even windows are inaccessible. The basement could be the safest and only way out of the home.
- Rescue
These windows also provide a safe entry point for rescue personnel. They can get into the home safely and quickly in order to rescue the occupants. They can also get to fuse boxes and other utilities to turn them off and reduce any risks or damage that may have occurred.
Egress windows are a requirement of the International Building Code. The Code provides guidelines on the dimensions, types and installation of the window. It is important to adhere to these guidelines. They are not only important for your safety, but they also ensure that you won’t be cited for violation of the Building Code, which can result in fines and expensive rework.
Be sure to engage an experienced and licensed basement contractor for the installation of your egress. This will ensure that all the proper permits are obtained, and the Building Code guidelines are followed to the T.
