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4 Key Facts You Need to Know about Egress Windows Morganville, NJ

4 Key Facts You Need to Know about Egress Windows Morganville, NJ

Egress windows are an important aspect that you should consider when building a new house or renovating your home. The International Residential Code (IRC) requires all habitable spaces such as living rooms and basements to have egress windows. Also, every indoor space or room that is intended to be utilized as a bedroom, including rooms within a basement, should have an egress window.

Skylight egress window 1 4 Key Facts You Need to Know about Egress Windows Morganville, NJ

Egress windows should meet some specifications in order to serve their functions well. When installing these windows, it is important to work with a professional contractor to ensure that the specifications are met. Here are the key facts that you need to know about egress windows.

1. The Meaning and Uses of Egress Windows

The term egress window is coined from the word ‘egress’, which means ‘to exit’. As the name suggests, the window is used to exit the room or building in which it has been installed during an emergency. Egress windows are installed in basements, bedrooms and the first floors of split-level buildings among other areas.

In addition to playing a key role as emergency exits, egress windows can also be used to allow the entry of natural light into the rooms in which they have been installed and promote ventilation. Therefore, well-installed egress windows ensure that spaces such as basements are well-lit and well-ventilated.

2. Egress Window Specifications

The IRC stipulates that every space that is used as a bedroom should have at least one egress window. Additionally, each egress window that is installed should meet the following requirements:

· The window should be designed in such a way that when it is open, an individual can crawl and use the window to quickly exit.

· The window’s opening should be clear and have a minimum area of 5.7 square feet.

· Height: Not less than 24 inches

· Width: Not less than 20 inches

· The window’s lower part should be at the height of no more than 44 inches to allow easy access.

· It should be possible to open and close the window from the inside.

· The window should not have grilles or bars which block the opening.

· It should be possible to open the window without using any other separate equipment such as a key.

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Special Considerations for Basement Windows

It is not necessary for all basement windows to be designed as egress windows. If you have an unfinished basement, you may only need to install ordinary windows for ventilation. But an egress window is required in the basement if this room is used as a living space or as a bedroom.

You can also combine ordinary windows and egress windows in your basement to improve lighting and ventilation.

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Features to Consider For Egress Windows – Middlesex County, NJ

Egress Windows

Egress windows in basements are important for safety. They should be properly configured in order to provide a reliable route of escape in case of an emergency. They should also be able to provide an entry way for emergency personnel who may have no other way to access your home. Keeping these functions of the windows in mind is vital when selecting windows for your basement.

If you want to ensure that your egress window is able to meet the requirements for safety discussed above, you should consider the following factors when choosing a window:

  1. Ground and cored corners

The installation process involves cutting a hole into the wall of the basement. Most contractors rely on a concrete saw for this. The round cutting blade limits how the contractor will cut the opening in the wall. To prevent cracking and leaking, use cored corners before applying a grinder to get 90 degree corners is best.

  1. Install metal window well liners

If you want to avoid the effects of hydrostatic pressure on your windows and foundation walls, it’s a good idea to install metal window well liners. These window well liners will be able to withstand the constant pressure exerted by expanding soils especially in the winter and during heavy rains.

Plastic liners are a bad idea since they can be torn as a result of extreme pressure. They can also be heaved upward as a result of the pressure of freezing soil.

  1. Consider choosing casement windows

There are various types of egress windows to choose from in the market today. Where possible, it’s best to go for casement windows. These are easy to open when there is an emergency. They are also large enough for an adult emergency worker with emergency equipment to climb through.

  1. Install a working drain

It’s important to ensure that the egress window has a working drain. This will ensure that water does not collect in the window well like an aquarium. The window can break under this pressure and you will have to deal with a flooded basement and the expense of replacing your egress window.

  1. Include a cover

Consider having a window with a cover. This may be in the form of reinforced polycarbonate. These covers not only provide privacy for the basement but will also keep pets, children and even adults safe from falling into the window well. The cover will also keep debris out of the window well.

egress windows

What You Need To Know Before Adding Egress Windows in Woodbridge NJ

Egress Windows in Woodbridge NJ

Are you planning to finish your basement? You may be planning to convert your basement into an additional bedroom, game room or other living space. This is a great way to not only add to the square footage of your home but also to add value to your house should you decide to sell it one day.

Many homeowners think that converting a basement is as simple as adding drywall and a few coats of paint. However, there are several other requirements for finished basements depending on the state. One common requirement is the addition of egress windows.

Add a Window

All building codes across the US call for homeowners to add egress windows if they want to convert their basements into habitable spaces. Although requirements vary, they generally call for the window to be large enough for an adult of average build to be able to escape through in case of an emergency such as a flood or fire.

Minimum Requirements

Building codes require that windows in finished basements be large enough to allow a person to escape. They should also be large enough for emergency personnel to enter the home in case they need rescue someone.

Local building codes provide guidelines on the minimal height and width of the windows. It is therefore important for homeowners to check with these requirements before they add their windows. You will otherwise have to replace your window and therefore waste a lot of money in the process.

Other Requirements

There are also various other requirements for the windows. These include the operation of the windows. Windows should be operational not only from the outside but from the inside as well. It is also important to ensure that no special tools are required for the operation of these windows.

There are also various requirements for window wells and other associated structures. For example, window wells for basements below ground level should have ladders installed in them to increase accessibility.

Replacement of Existing Windows

If you already have egress windows in your home, you should check to ensure that they meet the minimal requirements for these windows. If they don’t, you will have to consider having them replaced. Replacement may involve increasing the width or height of your windows. This depends on whether the current window meets the requirements for placement.

Get in touch with a professional to help you with the installation.