Egress Window Specifications The window must provide an open area at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches tall, totaling at least 5.7 square feet. To be accessible, the bottom of the window opening can be no higher than 44 inches off the floor.

What is the smallest basement window size?

Basement Egress Window Requirements



The minimum egress window opening height is 24″ high. The minimum egress window opening is 20″ wide.

How do you install a window in a basement wall?


Quote from Youtube video: The windows would be installed within a frame of 2 by 8 pressure treated lumber because. We wanted it to span enough of the concrete block to get into some good solid securing. You know with tap cons.

What is the dimensions of a basement window?

According to the International Residential Code, basement windows must have: An opening width of at least 20 inches. An opening height of at least 24 inches. A net clear opening of at least 821 square inches—or 5.7 square feet.

Do you need a header for a basement window?

You do need a header. Its size will be predicated on the width of your house, though, so you haven’t provided sufficient information to answer your question.

Can you add an egress window to a basement?

If you are installing an egress window in a basement to comply with your building code, there are specific requirements you’ll need to meet. The egress window must open into a window well outside the foundation that must be at least 36 inches wide and provide at least 9 square feet of space when the window is open.

What size window is required for egress?

In order to meet baseline requirements, egress windows must meet the following standards: Minimum width of opening: 20 in. Minimum height of opening: 24 in. Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq.

How do you install a window in a concrete block wall?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The measurement should be consistent. And allow the window frame to overlap onto the brick veneer or finish wall materials at least three-quarters of an inch for exterior perimeter sealant.

How do you put a window in a concrete basement?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The window in place by installing double headed double threaded concrete screws along the sides or top of the window whichever applicable. Once the window is centered.

How much does it cost to cut a window in a concrete wall?

Excavating for a window and window well: $300 – $500. Cutting a rough opening in concrete: $350 – $800 based on opening size. Cutting a rough opening in wood framing: $150 – $300 based on opening size. Egress Window: $200 – $1,000+ based on size, material, style and other factors discussed below.

How much value does an egress window add?

If you add an egress window to your 120 square foot basement bedroom, that could translate as an additional $7,140 or $9,996 in resale value (or 50%-70% of $119 x 120 square feet).

What is an egress basement window?

An egress window is a type of window that can be easily opened from the inside without any keys, tools, or physical difficulties. The Ontario Building Code states that these types of windows must be in every bedroom of a suite to ensure all occupants have a point of exit, in case of a fire or other emergency.

How do you frame a basement egress window?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now what you want to do is you want to take your little square. And on the outside marks that you made the original marks draw those lines through. And down here the other side draw that line through.

How deep does an egress window well need to be?

between 3 to 5 feet deep

What size egress window well do I need? To meet egress window requirements, the window well should be 64 inches wide by 36 inches in projection and between 3 to 5 feet deep (based on how far above/below grade the window will sit).

What size is a basement egress window?

In addition, the egress window requirements for basements specify that they be at least 36 inches in height and width, with a fully functioning opening. If a window is more than 44 inches from the ground, a ladder or steps at least 12 inches wide must be present.

What is code for window wells?

The horizontal area of the window well shall be not less than 9 square feet (0.9 m2 ), with a horizontal projection and width of not less than 36 inches (914 mm). The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened.

What makes a window an egress window?

What Is an Egress Window? An egress window looks just like a regular large window, but opens fully to allow a building’s inhabitants to escape in the event of an emergency, such as a house fire. Egress windows are required in all finished basements before they can be legally converted into a living space.

Why do you need an egress window in a basement?

An Egress window serves as an emergency exit from the basement as well as an entry for firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The size and shape of this window are governed by state and local law as well as international building code guidelines.

Where are fire escape windows required?

Ground floor windows: Fire escape windows are required on the ground floor in any habitable room (not a kitchen or bathroom) which does not open into a hall that leads directly to an exit door.