Skip to content
Windows are important architectural facets that improve your home’s curb appeal and value. They also contribute to its energy efficiency, maintaining your ideal indoor temperature and helping you earn more energy savings. Their function, however, extends beyond all these. Some types of windows specifically work to support your own safety, such as egress windows.
Egress windows need to be placed in specific areas of your home. They serve as an emergency exit to keep you and your family safe during hazardous cases. WMGB Home Improvement, the expert in window installation in Grand Rapids, MI, discusses what you need to know about egress windows.
Egress Windows
If your home’s entrance is blocked during an emergency situation, egress windows can provide an escape route. Although their large size is enough to accommodate exiting people, you should make sure to plan their placement properly. Have your trusted contractor map out the best places to install egress windows for your protection and security.
Building Codes and Requirements
Building codes vary in every state, so it’s best to research on the regulations imposed in your locality. Recent studies, however, reveal that each bedroom in your basement should have at least one outlet. We can have your egress window in Grand Rapids, MI, furnished for commonly used areas, such as your game room or home office.
Egress windows must meet the four International Residential Code (IRC) standards. They should be at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide. This is to provide enough space for a person to pass through. They should also have a maximum sill height of 44 inches above the floor and a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet.
Suitable Window Styles
For their hinged sashes, casement windows are ideal for basements and other areas where space is limited. Double-hung windows, on the other hand, are perfect for bedrooms because their lower pane slides vertically. Sliding windows are also a good option for their smooth and easy operation.
Part of a good emergency plan is having egress windows in Lansing, MI. For their professional installation, call us today at (616) 226-8580.
