What is an Egress Window?
IRC-2000 International Residential Code Requirements
Do you need an Egress Window?
Why Choose Diamond Creek?
Customized Options
WHAT IS AN EGRESS WINDOW? [top]
By definition the word egress means exit. An egress window is an exit window in a basement dwelling that allows easy exit in case of emergency or fire. Any basement area that also serves as a sleeping area must be equipped with such an emergency exit per IRC-2000 International Residential Code.
IRC-2000 International residential Code
Emergency Escape & Rescue Opening Code
Requirements or One & Two Family Dwellings
Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings: Section: R310.1
Basement with habitable space and every sleeping room shall have at least one openable emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door. They shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor. The net clear opening dimension shall be a minimum of 5.7 square feet x min. Net opening height shall be 24 inches = min. width opening of 34 ½ includes. Net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft x min. Net clear opening width shall be 20 inches = min. height opening of 41 inches. and shall be obtained by the normal 9operation of the window or door opening from the inside.
Natural Light: Section R303.1
Habitable rooms shall be provided with natural light by means of exterior glazed opening with an area not lass than (8%) of the floor area of such rooms with a min. of 10 sq.ft. with the deductions for the bathrooms, closets, halls, storage and utility space square footage. Sleeping rooms and habitable rooms shall be provided with natural ventilation by means of openable exterior openings with an area of not less than (4%) of the floor area of such rooms with a min. of 5 sq. ft.
Window Wells: Section R310.2
The horizontal dimensions of a window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened. The horizontal dimensions of the window well shall provide a minimum net clear area of (9) square feet with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches. Exception: The ladder or steps required by section R310.2.1 shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 6 inches into the required dimensions of the window well.
Ladder and Steps: Section R310.2.1
Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches below adjacent ground level shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches, shall project at least 3 inches from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches on center vertically for the full height of the window well.
Bars, Grills, Covers and Screens: Section R310.3
Placed over emergency escape and rescue openings or window wells that serve such openings shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or special knowledge.
Do I Need an Egress Window? [top]
YES! If you are in the process of remodeling your current basement structure to any habitable degree, including sleeping quarters, you must provide a safe exit in the event that the primary exit to your dwelling becomes obstructed. An egress window fulfills all aspects of the IRC codes noted above. This code further requires that all new basement remodeling construction projects include an emergency exit. Even if you have an existing situation with sleeping quarters in the basement area, the addition of a new egress window could save your life or the lives of your loved ones.
Why Choose Diamond Creek Egress Windows? [top]
Why trust this important addition to your home to just anyone? Diamond Creek Egress Windows specializes ONLY in egress windows for basements. The trained experts at Diamond Creek handle the entire process:
Ø Excavation
Ø Wall Cutting
Ø Window/Well Installation
Ø Concrete, Excess Dirt & Debris Removal
Ø Sprinkler Line Repair
Ø Minor or No Damage to sod or existing Landscaping
Diamond Creek is the one of the only companies in Michigan to specialize in this unique component of basement finishing and remodeling. They fulfill every function of the project themselves, including the necessary prep and finish.
Detroit News “HomeStyle”
“Egress Windows are a Must for Basement Living”
“Basements Need an Egress Window”
Customized Options [top]
An egress window from Diamond Creek not only provides your secondary safe exit, but cancompliment your remodeling project as well. There are several window styles to choose from: Casement, Sliders and hinged single-hung. Additionally, you can choose between several different well options: plastic, metal and unique bilco well w/built-in steps. Add on a safety gate to prevent people and objects from falling into the well, and you have an attractive solution to a very important requirement. Click on our Project Portfolio pages to see how some of our customers have attractively incorporated egress windows into their lives. Contact a Diamond Creek representative direct to initiate your inquiry or click here to access the Request for Estimate/Site Survey form to initiate your egress window project today!
