Egress Windows and Your Family’s Safety
Everything you need to know about Egress Windows
Egress windows are a crucial element in ensuring your family’s safety. This is why more and more localities are mandating that new homes be built with egress windows.
Without egress windows in your home, you could face far worse consequences than legal or financial losses — you may be unknowingly putting yourself and your family at great risk.
Every year, more than 2,500 people are killed, and 12,000 are injured in residential fires. On average, more than 358,000 domestic fires are reported annually. Approximately seven individuals die in house fires every day. Installing egress windows is a vital part of protecting your family in case of an emergency.
What Is an Egress Window?
Egress windows are windows required in specific areas of your home for use as emergency exits. Alongside fire-rated attic ladders and modern fire alarm systems, egress windows are a crucial component of domestic safety.
To be considered emergency exits, egress windows must meet minimum size requirements. Most safety codes require egress windows in bedrooms and any rooms (such as an attic or basement) where someone may sleep.
What Are the Minimum Size Specifications for Egress Windows?
While codes can vary from city to city and state to state, there are universal guidelines for egress windows. Make sure to check with your local city office for your specific requirements. However, there are four International Residential Code (IRC) specifications your window must meet to be considered an egress window. These are:
- 24 inches minimum height of opening
- 20 inches minimum width of opening
- 5.7 square feet (5 square feet for ground floors) minimum net clear opening
- 44 inches maximum sill height above the floor
Egress windows need to have at least 5.7 (or 5) square feet of net clear opening, which means the free and clear space present when the window is open. This is the actual size of the opening a person can crawl through — not the glass panel or rough opening sizes.
Egress windows must be openable from inside the room and should not require keys or tools to operate. You can have grilles, grates, or bars installed over your egress windows, but these must also be operational without keys or tools. Additionally, these coverings must not interfere with your window's minimum clear opening.
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