If you want to replace existing windows, you may have come across the egress window term. So, what is an egress window?

An egress window is designed to meet specific requirements established by local building codes because they serve as exit points in case of emergencies. Therefore, anyone who renovates their house or builds a new one, should take into consideration egress window requirements – failing to do so is illegal and will compromise the safety of your family.

As such, since egress windows are crucial in ensuring the safety of your house, we’re here to help – we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide that includes everything you need to know about egress windows!

Key Takeaways

• Egress windows are emergency exit windows that must meet specific size and operational standards to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes. Egress windows are required in basements, bedrooms, and other living spaces.
• Casement windows, sliding windows, and double-hung windows can serve as egress windows if they have an opening area of at least 0.35 square meters (3.77 square feet) and a width and height of at least 380 mm (15 inches).
• If the egress window is below ground level, you should build a window well with at least 760 mm (30 in) of clearance.
• Contact Magic for the best egress windows in Ontario – our award-winning hardware system makes them extremely easy to operate, which is of utmost importance in case of emergencies.

What Is an Egress Window?

As mentioned, egress windows are designed to meet specific size and functional criteria established to ensure a safe escape route during emergencies. These requirements are defined by local building codes.

Although people usually think egress windows are only installed in basements, they are actually required in every living area in a house. The International Residential Code states that “Basements, habitable attics and every sleeping room shall have not less than one operable emergency escape and rescue opening.”

Furthermore, if the basement has more than one sleeping room, there must be an egress window for each.

Why Are Egress Windows Important?

The importance of egress windows cannot be overstated. First of all, they play a crucial role in the safety of a house for the obvious reason – they can save your life. However, this isn’t the only reason why you should never overlook egress window requirements.

By making sure that the windows meet egress building code criteria, you are preventing potential legal issues. In addition, the more egress windows the house has, the higher its property value, as safety features are among the most important things buyers look out for in the process of choosing their next home.

Furthermore, thanks to their large openings, properly installed egress windows ensure superior ventilation and unobstructed views. Naturally, all these details can make you feel more comfortable in your own house!

Egress Window Requirements

As mentioned, if a window meets certain requirements, it is considered an egress windows. As such, this is the egress code for a window in Canada as per the National Building Code of Canada:

• Egress windows should provide an unobstructed opening area of at least 0.35 sq m (3.77 sq ft).
• Egress windows should have a width and a height of at least 380 mm (15 in).
• An egress window shouldn’t be higher than 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) above the floor.
• If standard basement windows or bedroom windows that serve as egress are installed higher than 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) above the floor, there should be some steps or a piece of furniture below them for easy access.
• Egress windows should remain open in case of emergencies without the need for additional support.
• The egress window should be easy to open from the inside without keys or any other special tools. This applies to any other window parts, including the insect screens, bars, or anything else that covers the opening.
• If the egress window opens into a window well (in case of basement egress, for example, when you need to excavate a semi-circular space surrounding the window), it should have at least 760 mm (30 in) of clearance.
• If the egress window opens into a window well, its sash should not obstruct the clearance too much.
• If the window well has a protective enclosure above it, you should be able to open it from the inside without using any special tools or knowledge.
• Everyone in the house should know how to operate egress windows.
• The egress window should allow at least 5% natural light in.
• The egress window should ensure adequate ventilation.

Egress Window Requirements: Tips

Pay attention to the sizes – the width and height must be at least 380 mm (15 in) but you can’t install a window that has both a height and width of 380 mm (15 inches). Such a window has an area of only 0.14 sq m (1.55 sq ft), so it doesn’t meet area requirements.

Furthermore, don’t forget that each region may have specific requirements. For example, the International Building Code specifies that the opening should have at least 5.7 square feet, while the National Building Code of Canada requires an opening of 3.77 square feet.

Therefore, it’s important to consult with local authorities to ensure that your windows meet all the requirements.

Types of Egress Windows

Any window can be an egress window if it meets the criteria mentioned above. The most popular choice among homeowners is, of course, the casement window. Nonetheless, sliding, and double-hung windows can also serve as egress windows. Let’s discuss a bit about each.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are excellent egress windows. They are hinged on one side and open outwards from the other side like a door. They usually open up to a 90-degree angle, which makes for a clear and safe exit route.

However, casement windows have one downside – they are operated by a crank. Crank mechanisms aren’t quite suitable for quick escapes. First, you need to spend some time rotating the crank handle until the window opens – in case of a fire emergency, for example, you may not have that extra minute.

Secondly, crank mechanisms need regular repairs because they strip, break, and loosen over time. In addition, cranks can have seasonal-specific issues – frozen gears and hinges, for example. In short, they’re not too reliable.

That’s why casement windows without cranks are much better for egress windows. You’ll find it much easier to open a Magic crankless window, for example. All you have to do is turn its handle and slide the sash along the track, as shown in this video.

Sliding Windows and Double-Hung Windows

You can open a sliding window by sliding one sash along the track. This design allows for a wide and unobstructed opening, making these windows suitable for an easy exit.

However, there’s one crucial thing to consider when installing a sliding window as an egress window – usually, only one sash is operable. This means that the size requirements mentioned in the building code should apply only to that opening, not the entire window.

On the other hand, some innovative sliding windows, like Magic’s, have two operable sashes. Thanks to our Parallex Hardware, both sashes in our sliding window tilt inwards to a 90-degree angle, making for a perfect escape route.

Double-hung windows have two operable sashes. You can open the window by sliding the sashes up and down. In addition, both sashes can be tilted inwards to a 90-degree angle, which is not possible with single-hung windows. That’s why double-hung windows can serve as emergency exits, as long as they meet building code requirements.

Nonetheless, single-hung windows can also serve as egress windows – but only if the opening (the bottom half) meets the size requirements. This means that a single-hung egress window will be much larger than a double-hung egress window.

Egress Window Installation Considerations

While installing an egress window in a bedroom may not imply additional costs, a basement egress window definitely requires some consideration.

First of all, if the window is below the ground, you’ll have to dig a window well, which adds to the final price. Furthermore, you may have to install some safety features to prevent accidents. Steps may also be needed to make it easier for you and your family to escape through the window in case of emergencies.

In addition, proper waterproofing around the egress window is crucial to prevent water infiltration into the basement. Compliance with local building codes is also necessary, including obtaining the required permits and ensuring the installation meets safety standards.

Moreover, preparing the window opening may involve concrete cutting (even for bedroom windows, if the opening isn’t large enough), which can add to the installation costs.

These factors highlight the importance of planning and budgeting for egress window installation to ensure a safe and compliant setup. If you don’t know where to start – contact Magic! We’ll sort everything out for you.

Converting Existing Basement Windows to Egress Windows

Converting existing basement windows to egress windows can be a complex process that may require structural modifications. Before making any changes, it’s crucial to check with the local government for necessary permits to avoid fines.

Modifications may include:

• Enlarging the rough opening
• Relocating sprinkler systems
• Installing something beneath the window (a piece of furniture, for example) if it’s installed higher than 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) above the floor.

Egress Window Costs

The installation of an egress window costs as much as the installation of any other window. You won’t have to pay more just because it’s an egress window unless any structural modifications are required to accommodate the needed sizes. As such, an egress window may cost between $500 and $2,500+, depending on the window type, quality, and materials.

Sometimes you’ll also have to pay for the installation and labor. At Magic, however, the installation is included in the price, so you won’t have to worry about it.

Another thing to consider when installing egress windows is whether you’ll need window wells, which, of course, equals more expenses.

Looking for the Best Egress Windows in Ontario? Book a Consultation with Magic!

All in all, egress windows play a crucial role in the safety of living spaces, so it’s essential not to overlook any building code requirements. In addition, you should pick windows that are easy to operate and won’t develop functionality issues over time.

That’s why you should be looking for thebest windows that excel at functionality and durability. If you want to discover all the innovative features of Magic windows, we’re just one call away! Book a free consultation and one of our project managers will provide answers to any questions you may have about egress windows!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are egress windows?

Egress windows are designed to provide a safe means of escape in case of emergencies, such as house fires, and must meet specific size and operability criteria established by local building codes.

What makes a window an egress window?

A window is an egress window if it offers an unobstructed opening area measuring at least 0.35 sq m (3.77 sq ft), if its height and width measure at least 380 mm (15 in), and if it’s installed at a maximum height of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) above the floor.

What is the difference between egress windows and regular windows?

Some regular windows are egress windows, which is why there’s no difference between them. Sometimes, a window does not meet the building code requirements, in which case it is not an egress window.

What are the requirements for egress windows?

Egress windows must have a minimum width and height of 380 mm (15 in) and at least 0.35 sq m (3.77 sq ft) of clear opening area. Basement egress windows installed below floor level should have a window well with a clearance of at least 760 mm (30 in). Egress windows should be easy to open without special tools or knowledge.

How much does it cost to install an egress window?

Unless special structural modifications are required, the installation of an egress window costs as much as the installation of any other window. The final price can range between $500 and $2,500 and depends on window type, frame material, and other factors.

Can existing basement windows be converted to egress windows?

Yes, existing basement windows can be converted to egress windows, but the process may imply structural modifications.