Egress Windows in Rockford, IL

Egress windows are large windows that serve as an exit in the event of an emergency. In fact, egress, by definition, means “a way out.” While an egress window’s primary function is to provide a safe exit point, it also provides plentiful natural light, making finished basements and living spaces more open and welcoming.

Egress windows are required in every bedroom (regardless of floor), as well as in any basement or subterranean spaces that could be considered habitable or finished.

If you plan to convert an unfinished basement to a habitable space, egress windows will be required. Many older homes will not have previously-installed egress windows in basement spaces – so that’s where Window World of Rockford comes in.

Building codes vary by location, but as a general rule of thumb, egress windows must have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet. That is, the minimum opening size of the window – the space for a person to fit through – must be at least 5.7 square feet.

The window sill should be no higher than 44 inches above the floor. The minimum width of the opening is 20 inches, while the minimum height of the opening is 24 inches, but a 20-inch by 24-inch window would only provide a minimum net clear opening of 3.3 square feet. Normally we will install windows 30-36” wide and 40-48” tall for easier access and safety.

A person exiting the building must be able to open the egress window without additional tools or keys.

In addition, some building codes require egress windows for natural light and ventilation in basement rooms larger than 200 square feet. Typically, with rooms of this size, the glass area of the egress window must be at least 8% of the square footage of the room, and the opening area must be at least 4% of the square footage of the room.

At Window World of Rockford, each of our egress windows is installed by our team of factory-trained professionals. That way, you can be sure that your egress windows are properly installed and up to standard.

Adding an egress window can positively impact your home value, though the amount of value they add can vary.

While local building codes can vary, the International Building Code specifies that an egress window must have a minimum opening of 5.7 square feet.

Egress windows became a requirement of basement bedrooms in 1997 as part of the International Residential Code.

Residential building codes throughout the United States require at least one egress window for a basement to be considered a habitable space.

For any finished basements, the answer is yes. For any basement to be considered a habitable space, it must have at least one egress window in each individual room. This means that basements with a living space and a separate bedroom, for example, must have an egress window in the living room and bedroom.