Egress windows

Escape openings for bedrooms and below-grade rooms

A sleeping room needs a way out that is not the door. The size of that opening, the sill height, and any well outside a below-grade window come from the code edition the building department is using. Pane Pro SD does not inspect for the city. We refer a contractor who should check that edition before anyone enlarges a hole in the wall.

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Bedroom window opening being checked for an emergency escape size

What's included in this service?

Refer a contractor for bedroom and basement openings, not for a code opinion from this website
Ask them to confirm the current escape-opening rule with the building department before ordering
Enlarging an opening can mean a new header. That belongs in the written scope
Below-grade wells need drainage. Ask who builds the well

When do you need this service?

A bedroom window is too small to count as an escape opening
A garage or bonus room is being turned into a sleeping room
A below-grade room needs a well so the sash can open fully
An addition adds a bedroom and the plans call out the opening

What do homeowners ask about Egress windows?

Can you publish the exact opening size?

The number depends on the code edition and on whether the opening is at grade. Ask the building department that covers the property, and have the contractor size the unit to that answer. Do not order from a blog.

Does every bedroom already comply?

Older houses often do not. A window that was legal when the house was built may be small by the rule used on a new permit. That is a question for the department reviewing the work.

What about a window well?

If the sill is below grade, the sash needs room to open and a person needs room to climb out. Ask who designs the well, the ladder, and the drain.

Is this auto glass or a house window?

A house window. Windshield shops are a different trade.