3 Steps to a Safer Basement in the Susquehanna Valley and Poconos
Call us at (856) 644-2967 or use the online request a quote form to get started. Then it's easy as 1-2-3.
Meet Our Partner Installer
For homeowners in the Susquehanna Valley and the Poconos, we partner with Swain Contracting to ensure every installation meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Swain Contracting
- Location: 172 Lambs Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
- Focus: Full installation of Egress Windows and Cellar Doors
- Territory: Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Schuylkill, Carbon, Monroe, and Lackawanna counties
Couldn’t be more satisfied not only with the new Bilco doors but with [the] timely, professional service we received.
Are Basement Egress Windows Required in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, "safety first" isn't just a motto—it's the law. According to the PA Uniform Construction Code (Section R310), all basements must have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening.
Key Code Requirements for PA:
- Sizing: Egress openings must provide a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (or 5.0 square feet for grade-floor openings)
- Dimensions: The opening must be at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide.
- Placement: The window sill cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor.
- Window Wells: If the window sill is below grade, a window well is required with a minimum horizontal area of 9 square feet.
Failure to comply with these codes can result in safety hazards, legal liabilities, and issues when trying to sell your home.
Why You'll Love Your New Basement Egress System
Beyond meeting legal requirements, installing a professional egress system offers immediate advantages:
Life-Saving Safety
Provides a clear, reliable path for your family to escape and for first responders to enter during an emergency.
Natural Light & Ventilation
Modern egress windows turn damp, dark basements into bright, inviting living spaces.
Increased Property Value
Adding an egress window legally converts a dark basement into a "habitable" room or bedroom, significantly boosting your home's appraisal.
Livable Space
A well-lit, well-ventilated finished basement offers endless possibilities to add space for work, play, or relaxation.
Premium Products from Industry Leaders
Our Manufacturing Partners
We only distribute products from the most trusted names in the industry to ensure your installation lasts a lifetime.
- Boman Kemp: Complete egress window systems, including wells, windows, ladders, and safety grates and covers.
- BILCO: The model for durable, secure basement access doors (cellar doors).
- RockWell: Innovative, stone-textured window wells that offer a natural look with superior strength
Extensive Inventory of Egress Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an egress window if I don't have a bedroom in my basement?
Can I install a window under my deck?
What if I'm just repairing my existing basement?
How long does a typical installation take?
Can you install egress windows in an existing poured concrete wall?