Your home is your sanctuary, your place of refuge from the world around you. Nevertheless, it isn’t completely immune to emergencies and dangers. While upgrading your home’s looks and features is advisable, there’s a lot to be said regarding the importance of safety.
WMGB Home Improvement looks at why you should want a great egress window in your home today.
Egress window defined
Technically, your replacement windows in Holland, MI can be an egress window, provided these allow a person to use it as a means of exiting or escaping a home in the event of an emergency. Casement windows are commonly used for this purpose because these can open up their entire length—much like a door.
State requirements
There are several requirements that vary per state. The most basic, however, includes a windows has to be opened easily without needing any key or tools. The window has to feature the following dimensions:
- Minimum width: 20 inches
- Minimum height: 24 inches
- Minimum crawl clearance: 7 square feet
- Sill height of no higher than 44 inches above the floor
- Window-well floor space: 9 square feet (minimum dimensions of 36 wide and long)
- Permanent ladder or steps if the well depth is more than 44 inches
Installation process
Egress windows are normally located in the bedrooms and in basements, as these areas are where you spend a lot of time or the last to be affected by most emergencies. For installations in the bedroom, the process is as professional as you would expect in any window installation job.
Basement installations are slightly trickier, as these should have the capability to act like emergency doors in Holland, Michigan. The basics involve cutting through the basement wall and excavating a portion as the primary egress point. These window wells are customizable, so long as these meet the essential safety requirements.
There should be no compromise when it comes to safety. Give WMGB Home Improvement a call today, and we’ll help you find ways to maximize the potential of this simple but reliable home safety feature. We will even start you off with a free, no-obligation consultation!
