What Is a Basement Egress System (And Why Do I Need It?)

Q: Who determines basement egress window requirements?

Most states&rsquo; egress window requirements are derived from the International Residential Code (IRC), which lays out safety standards for single and multi-family homes.

Q: What is the minimum size of a basement egress window opening?

The minimum size of a basement egress window allowable is 5.7 square feet &ndash; it can be a minimum of 24&rdquo; in height or 20&rdquo; in width. Still, those dimensions multiplied together must total 5.7 square feet (versus an above-ground egress window, whose minimum clear opening area must only total 5.0 square feet).

Q: How many egress windows are required in a basement?

There is no set number of egress windows required in a basement, but there must be one: In any bedroom or sleeping area. In any rec room, office, or home theater, should they NOT adjoin with a bedroom. If multiple rooms in Category 2 adjoin, only one needs an egress window (or door).

Q: What are the code requirements for egress window wells?

Code requires an egress window well be dug for egress windows below ground level. The area at the bottom of the well must equate to 9 square feet, and there must be 36&rdquo; of clearance between the egress window and the back of the well. Wells deeper than 44&rdquo; must have ladders or egress window steps attached, and well covers and grates must open or lift from the inside without the assistance of tools.

Across the board, finished basements are one of the best ways to add livable space to your home without breaking the bank. In fact, on average, they cost one-third to half as much as a similarly sized aboveground addition!

However, if your standard lot home wasn’t built with downstairs living in mind, the only way out of the basement is a stairwell to the ground level, usually leading to the kitchen (or a hallway just off it), where most fires start. In an emergency, you would then be trapped in the basement.

This is why most building codes require a basement egress door or window – an integral part of the egress system – for emergency exit and first responder access.

Basement Egress Window System Components

A complete basement egress window system includes several critical components:

Egress Window

An egress window large enough for residents and first responders to easily fit through.

A single-hung egress window consists of a single sash that slides up and down. Double-hung egress windows add a second operable sash.
Casement egress windows swing inward like a door
Sliding egress windows slide back and forth along a track.
Some egress windows are hybrids of the above, such as Astro egress windows (single-hung + casement) and tilt-and-turn windows (tilt inward like a traditional basement hopper window for partial venting and also operate as an in-swinging casement egress window)

Egress Window Well

An egress window well is dug to the depth of the window. The window must operate so that it doesn’t obstruct the egress window well (i.e. it can’t swing outward).

Basement Egress Ladder

An egress ladder or egress window steps are attached to or built into the side of the window well. Wells deeper than 44" must include one or the other.

Grate and Cover

The grate and cover prevent water and debris from collecting in the bottom of the egress window well, and act as insurance against people or animals falling into the well.

Basement Egress System Advantages

Beyond potentially saving lives in the event of an emergency, a basement egress window system offers several other benefits.

Enhanced natural light and ventilation compared to small basement hopper windows.
Improved aesthetics – window well manufacturers have designed and refined products that seamlessly integrate with surrounding landscaping.
Increased enjoyment of your finished basement for work or play, thanks to your egress system’s features.

Basement Egress Window Requirements

Who determines basement egress window requirements?

What is the minimum size of a basement egress window opening?

How many egress windows are required in a basement?

What are the code requirements for egress window wells?

Basement Egress Requirements by State

The Egress Window Well Installation Process

Phase 1: Planning and Preparation

Phase 2: Excavation and Structural Work

Phase 3: Window Well Installation

Phase 4: Waterproofing and Finishing

Complete Egress Solutions

Egress Solutions offers complete egress window systems for use in below-grade remodeling or new construction. We are a distributor for several major manufacturers, including Boman-Kemp, Bilco, and Rockwell basement egress window systems. Our team uses the industry’s top products for our clients, resulting in the best security and safety for your basement egress system.

Our warehouse in Mullica Hill, New Jersey is centrally located to ensure we can deliver a variety of sizes and systems to your location, or the work area as needed. We proudly serve New Jersey, Delaware, Southern New York, and Eastern and Central Pennsylvania.