Fast Facts About Egress Windows
Having an egress window installed in your basement is highly important when it comes to raising the value of your home. It is vital to have if your basement is going to be a livable space being up to code. If you’re debating whether or not to have a basement egress window replacement done, read on.
What Is An Egress Window?
An egress basement window is made for an emergency entry or exit. They are usually installed in finished basements with an attached ladder, depending on the depth of the window. Hiring a reputable contractor will assist with the confidence that your window installation is compliant with building codes.
Building codes follow four basic principles including minimum height, width, square foot area of the opening and the height of the sill from the floor. Requirements may vary by municipality. Dimensions are incredibly important to reach the maximum safety precautions of the window. Providing ample space for the entry and exit allows it to perform as needed.
Do I Need An Egress Window In My Basement?
If your basement has a bedroom or is considered a livable space, a basement egress window is required to pass building codes. This window provides a safe way to exit the home in the event of a house fire. It can also allow emergency personnel access to your basement if the need arises. Simply put, if the space is habitable, it needs one. Egress windows for basements are a smart investment for finished basement bedrooms and living rooms.
Pros and Cons Of Basement Egress Windows
Safety remains of high priority, especially when in your home. With proper escape plans and access, egress basement windows can dramatically bring down death rates in home emergency situations. Adding an egress basement window also ups the value to your home. With the addition of this type of window, the room can flip from an office or home workout space into a bedroom which will heighten the monetary worth of your home. This window can also provide another organic natural light source into what may be a darker space without adding the price tag to your monthly bills.
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Expert Guidance For Your Basement Window Installation
Adding a window to a home will take some budgeting. Varying home designs will alter the total cost of your egress window for basements. Getting multiple estimates from differing reputable contractors will aid in the decision making of adding a window to your home. A huge dig in your wallet can come from hiring an amateur contractor that muffs up the job. If they get the building codes wrong or cut into the wrong part of your home, the work will need to be redone. Learn about questions to ask a contractor before hiring them.
Lastly, moisture issues are also something to keep an eye on with egress windows in basements, especially if yours has had moisture related problems in the past. Make sure the window well is dug precisely below the window and that your gutters are directed away from your home. Doing this will help prevent moisture issues in the future.
For more information about our window installation services, contact us today. Our team of professionals is ready to serve you.
