Egress Windows: What you should know about basement windows

Are you thinking about creating more room in your home by finishing your basement? Do you want to ensure safety with an emergency exit? If so, you might want to think about installing a specific style of window known as an egress in your basement.

What are those basement windows called again?

The basement windows in this article are also known as egress windows (egress meaning escape). Though egress windows will provide your basement with more light, making it the perfect extra space you need for living, their primary purpose is safety. Simply, this type of window provides an escape route in case of an emergency, for example a fire or an earthquake.

Due to an increased number of fire incidents and disaster-based hazards at homes, it has become crucial for homeowners to design an escape route that caters to situations requiring a quick response in case of emergency. One of the most confined spaces in homes is the basement. With increased importance being given to safety these days, installing a safe window option, like egress windows, in a basement is crucial.

They also serve other purposes, such as becoming a source of ventilation for basements. There are a lot of things that you should keep in mind before getting your basement windows replaced or set up, the foremost being to get the work done professionally.

https://www.affordablewaterproofingllc.com/

Why do you need basement windows?

More than 4000 lives are lost every year due to fire hazards and incidents. Due to increasing fire incidents, leading to massive loss of lives throughout the world, importance has been placed on safety.

www.milostylesolutions.com

If you want to renovate your basement to use as a living space, an egress window helps make it more comfortable to live in. Other advantages of egress windows are listed as follows:

Egress windows allow more natural light and air circulation

In addition to providing the function of safety, basement windows also provide a source of natural light. They help in lighting up a drab space, which describes most basements. With an egress window, your basement won’t look as much like a basement anymore.

Because these windows open by design, they can be source of air circulation for the basement. This will add to the room’s livability.

Egress windows offer more safety

For a contingent option in case of any unforeseen event such as natural disasters or fire incidents, the basement becomes a place to refuge safely. Egress adds an added advantage for basements, making them more secure. With basement windows, you can rest well assured knowing that your family is safe with an ICE (in case of emergency) option installed at your home.

www.replacemywindows.ca

Basement/Egress windows increase the property’s value

Whether you are looking for potential buyers for your property or not, you might want a better value for your home. Adding an egress window provides the opportunity for an additional bedroom in the basement. It also adds value to your property since not all properties on the market will have basement windows or other way to provide natural light or escape in an emergency. Also, a building that is in congruence with different building codes set by the municipality provides the advantage of attracting many potential buyers.

Egress windows offer protection from Flooding

When it rains, it pours, and this affects our homes. When we face flooding or waterlogging issues, it is tricky to get the excess water out of the constricted spaces such as the basement. The last thing you want after spending the money to make a livable space in your basement is water, and if that happens, you need to get the water out fast. A basement window will help you remove the excess water quickly.

These windows keep rooms comfortable and dry

Basement windows help provide a source of light and air in the basement. It helps in regulating the internal temperature of the room. It also protects your space from potential mold infestation and other related problems. It turns your basement into a room just like any other in your home.

Various Basement Window Options

When it comes to basement windows, you have several styles to choose from. It’s best to talk with an expert to choose the right option for your home. Here are some popular choices:

Hopper Windows

These are basic window units with hinges. You can tilt them open towards the inside or outside. They have a strong frame and a screen on the outside. Hopper windows are usually wider than they are tall.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows work kind of like sliding glass doors. One panel slides over the other to open. These windows are bigger than some other styles. They also cost more.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are tall and narrow. They open outwards. You often see these in basements that stick out above ground level.

Awning Windows

Awning windows are hinged at the top. They swing outwards from the bottom. The screens go inside the window frame. This style is the most expensive option. But it works well for large basements.

https://abaddon0927.blogspot.com

How to Soundproof Your Existing Windows And Doors In A Room – When To Opt For Egress Windows And Doors

Unwanted noise can not only disrupt your work or study, but it can also affect your overall well-being. Soundproofing a room can be an effective solution to create a peaceful and productive space. Here is how you can do that:

How You Can Soundproof Your Windows

Windows are often the primary culprit when it comes to sound leakage. Here are some strategies to soundproof your windows:

1. Weatherstripping: Adding weatherstripping around the window frame can help seal gaps and prevent sound from entering or escaping the room.
2. Acoustic Curtains: Invest in heavy, noise-canceling curtains or blinds. These specialized curtains can significantly reduce outside noise levels and improve the room’s acoustics.
3. Window Inserts: For a more permanent solution, consider installing removable or operable window inserts. These inserts create an additional barrier between the interior and exterior environment, effectively blocking sound transmission.

Walls and Doors: Plugging the Leaks

Walls and doors can also be a source of sound leakage. Here’s how to address these areas:

1. Wall Insulation: Enhancing wall insulation can significantly improve soundproofing. Consider adding extra insulation or installing soundproofing panels on the walls.
2. Door Weatherstripping: Similar to windows, weatherstripping around the door frame can seal gaps and prevent sound from escaping or entering the room.
3. Acoustic Door Sweeps: Install acoustic door sweeps at the bottom of the door to block sound transmission through the gap between the door and the floor.
4. Soundproofing Curtains: Hang soundproofing curtains or room dividers to create an additional barrier between the room and adjacent spaces.

Floors and Ceilings: Minimizing Echoes

Hardwood floors and high ceilings can contribute to echoes and sound reverberation. Consider the following strategies:

1. Acoustic Flooring: Install soundproofing underlayment or floating floors designed to absorb impact noise and reduce sound transmission.
2. Ceiling Clouds: Acoustic ceiling clouds or panels can help absorb sound waves and minimize echoes, creating a more pleasant acoustic environment.
3. Area Rugs: Placing area rugs on hardwood floors can help dampen sound and reduce echoes.

Choose Egress Windows And Doors To Avoid The Hassle

Choose egress windows and doors to reduce noise intrusion and to create a calm environment. These customized solutions considerably reduce undesirable external sounds by acting as strong barriers. Egress windows effectively filter out outside noise while letting in natural light thanks to their multi-layered structure. In a similar way, egress doors that have soundproofing and weatherstripping installed guarantee a calm atmosphere for concentrated work or leisure. Those who purchase these soundproofing solutions can benefit from increased well-being and uninterrupted productivity. In addition to improving a space’s acoustic qualities, egress windows and doors provide users with peace of mind.

Egress Windows/Basement Windows Consideration

When installing basement windows, making sure they are set up correctly is very important for the stability of your home. Talk to a professional about these important topics to avoid problems in the future.

Level of Water

Basements often leak, which can cause problems, costs, and mold growth. Because of this, it’s important to have windows with tight locks that keep water out of the basement and keep it dry.

Measures for safety

When putting basement windows, security is the most important thing to think about. You can protect your home from break-ins with cross bars, glass bricks, or strong window locks. You and your family can feel safe with these extra layers of security.

Stopping Cold Air

Basements are often the coolest places in the house, and windows that don’t fit properly can make cold drafts even worse. Professional installation makes sure that the insulation works well, which stops cold air from moving into your basement refuge.

www.yelp.com

Important Standards for Installing an Egress Window

Before undertaking an egress window project for your basement, it’s crucial to follow specific guidelines and building regulations set by your local municipality. These standards are in place to ensure safety and proper functionality. Here are some key requirements you must adhere to:

• It should be of a minimum 3.8 feet (1.16 m) height with 15 inches (ca. 38 cm) width.
• It should easily be accessible. Open and close functionality should be simple and easy to use.  
• Bars (if any) must be accessible from the inside without any additional knowledge.
• The window should be in a manner such that one can escape safely without any obstructions, for example, a glass panel that might be obstructing.
• If you are installing window wells for your egress windows, they should be at least 44 inches (1.12 m) in depth or more. There must be a space of 22 inches (0.56 m) between the basement window and the window well.
• There should be a provision for a ladder, preferably at least 12 inches wide. It should be three inches away from the wall, and its steps distanced not more than 18 inches. 

Hire a Professional for Egress Window Installation

Installing an egress window is not a simple task that anyone can do with tools. It requires a decent amount of expertise.

Do not attempt to install an egress window yourself for your basement. It is wise to seek help from professionals.

Consult engineers from a reputable window company like Window Liquidators. They will guide you based on the building codes in your area.

Only experienced engineers can handle certain aspects of basement windows. These include calculating structural loads and checking the basement’s moisture levels. Ignoring these can cause severe problems in the future.

Egress window installation is a job best left to the professionals. They have the knowledge and skills to ensure it is done safely and correctly.

FAQs

Why are egress windows important?
Egress windows provide a safe exit route from basements, as well as natural light, ventilation, and increased property value.

What are the size requirements for egress windows?
Egress windows must be at least 3.8 feet high and 15 inches wide to meet safety codes.

Should I install an egress window myself?
No, egress window installation requires expertise and should be done by professionals like Window Liquidators to ensure proper structural calculations and code compliance.