Basement Egress Window Code

Ft large enough to allow a firefighter with equipment to enter the home through the window.

Basement egress window code. Here is an overview of section r310 of the code that are applicable to egress windows. Egress windows or doors are required in every habitable space. Now the current boca building officials and code administrators international code requires an egress window not only inside of a bedroom in the basement but in the basement regardless of whether or not there is a bedroom. In addition the egress window requirements for basements specifies that they be at least 36 inches in height and width with a fully functioning opening.

The icc s 2006 international residential code for one and two story dwellings has new language stating that basements that contain one or more sleeping rooms are required to have emergency egress. It must be at least 5 7 square feet that is at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches high with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor. These special basement windows meet the current irc code for building a finished basement so you have peace of mind in the event of a fire or accident. Egress window well code requirements.

If you have an existing home and you add a sleeping room or finish a separate living space in the basement the code requires that you install an egress window to serve these spaces. What s an egress window. Egress window and well requirements an egress window must open at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high with a net clear open area of 5 7 feet square. Let s be honest during a fire stairs could be blocked or damaged.

In addition the window must be at least 20 in. High while still meeting the 5 7 sq ft. An easy to open window that serves as an emergency exit for below ground living space of any kind. Wide and 24 in.

Size the horizontal area of the window well needs to be a minimum of nine square feet with a minimum horizontal projection and vertical width of 36 inches. The sill must be no higher than 44 inches from the ground. To ensure you install the right egress for your basement we ll break down the residential window well code requirements you ll need to abide by. When the sill height of an egress window is located below grade common for egress windows provided for a basement a window well must be provided.

And every basement bedroom whether existing or added is required by code to have an egress window. Have 9 sq. Be able to be fully opened. The area of a window well shall not be less than 9 square feet with a horizontal length width of no less than 36 inches.

Basement egress openings have stricter standards than egress areas in the rest of the house. Windows can be of various total size but their free areas when open must be at least 5 7 square feet. Have a minimum height and width of 36 inches.