Egress Windows 101: Function and their Pros and Cons

Egress windows might be a familiar topic to you as a homeowner. The windows are now necessary in every room where people sleep or spend a significant amount of time, thanks to new laws that have emerged in recent years. While providing a way of escape in an emergency is their primary function, egress windows have many more uses than mere emergency exits.

The Basics of Egress Windows

Here, we’ll start with the basics. You’ll discover what constitutes an escape window, its advantages and disadvantages, and eventually, which kinds and types of egress windows are most suitable for your house.

The Main Function

Egress windows for basements allow you to leave with your family while providing a way for firemen to enter. Any room used for sleeping or as a living space must have a window through which you may exit, according to rules and code standards. It’s interesting that this regulation also applies to classes at schools.

As you might expect, a “means of escape” refers to more than just a window. An adult must be able to pass through one external window or door to safety, and it must be openable from the inside without using keys, tools, or additional effort.

The Benefits

Now that we’ve established their primary function let’s explore the advantages of egress windows for basements. Installing egress windows, particularly in your basement, has many benefits outside the piece of mind that comes with having a safer house.

1. Value

   Adding egress windows to your basement increases your home’s total value. The basement could be upgraded to a bedroom or living room with an additional exit. Increasing your home’s living or sleeping space affects calculations of its total square footage and raises its worth.

2. Design

   The darkest areas of a home basements can certainly benefit from adding a window to brighten up an otherwise gloomy setting. Egress windows don’t always need tin rims because stone or brick can be used instead, which is more affordable. Consider this a lovely opportunity to add a tiny planting bed to provide a perspective of an otherwise hidden environment if a well does not encircle the window.

3. Light

   Your basement will get ample light because of the window’s size of almost 5 square feet. Adding a window in a basement improves airflow and brightens the otherwise dim and musty space. That’s right, musty! Another further benefit of basement egress windows is that more sunshine may reduce mustiness.

4. Safety

   Your basement will get ample light because of the window’s size of almost 5 square feet. Adding a window in a basement improves airflow and brightens the otherwise dim and musty space. That’s right, musty! Another further benefit of basement egress windows is that more sunshine may reduce mustiness.

The Drawbacks

Costs

The cost of egress windows might depend on several different things. A contractor is often needed for a new window installation or an upgrade to a bigger, compliant window type and size.

It will save you money if the window installer is a trained professional, and a warranty may cover their work.

Window Well Installation

As was already said, window wells can have enormous proportions. With a 9-square-foot project size, well walls, a ladder, or stairs to the outside are required. When installing egress windows, be sure you know the criteria for wells because local fire departments sometimes have regulations on where wells may be placed in decks or porches.

The best wager? Get inspected before, during, and after installing egress windows to ensure you adhere to all regulations. The guidelines were created for your safety, after all.

Basement Moisture Issues

Basements are known for being wet, particularly in Long Island moisture. When installing egress windows, take precautions if your basement has a history of moisture issues. Verify that the window well’s depth in proportion to the window trim is appropriate. Consider installing a drainage system or updating your gutters if you’ve encountered flooding or leaking to ensure water drains from the house.

The final stage is to review the several types of windows advised for egress and choose which ones best suit the design and functionality of your project, whether you’re still deciding on the project or are ready to go window shopping.

Conclusion

Your home needs egress windows, but installing them and bringing an older house up to code does come with fees. The windows provide you with the assurance that your home is now safer and you and your family are far less likely to become trapped in the case of a fire in terms of the advantages of more natural light throughout your home.

Another icing on the cake is, of course, the higher value your property will now have thanks to the upgraded windows and frequently the more significant amount of useable space.

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