Basement Window Code Requirements

If a door is used to meet the exit requirements, it must be a side-opening door or a slider. It must meet the above minimum requirements for the opening surface. If the door is less than the height of the adjacent floor, it must provide a partition housing with a minimum height of clear height equal to the door when it is in the fully open position. The building code also requires a smaller fountain for a swing window than a casement window. In a casement window that swings outward, the width of the fountain is measured from one side of the fountain to the inner surface of the window, as opposed to the side of the fountain to which the window opens. This arrangement requires the fountain to be larger to accommodate the open casement window. Instead of a crank, a swivel window usually has latches that keep it closed. When the latches are released, the window swings inwards into the basement. This type of window is ideal for underground exit windows that may have prevented a casement window from opening to the outside. If the depth of the window shaft is greater than 44 inches, a ladder or steps must be provided and permanently fixed to allow access and, in no case, must penetrate more than 6 inches into the required dimensions of the window shaft. The code requires that every basement, living attic and bedroom have at least one usable emergency evacuation and rescue opening. If a coin is used as such, it must provide a means of escape. The diagram shows the minimum window dimensions for the lower output windows and in degrees.

Note that all windows must have a minimum window height of 24 inches and a minimum width of 20 inches. An emergency evacuation and rescue opening is not necessary if existing cellars are changed or repaired. An exit window serves as an emergency exit from the basement as well as an entrance for firefighters and rescuers. The size and shape of this window are subject to national and local laws, as well as the guidelines of the International Building Code. Window shafts with a vertical depth greater than 44″ shall be equipped with a fixed ladder or steps that can be used with the window in the fully open position. Ladders or steps required under this section need not conform to sections R311.7 and R311.8. Ladders or rungs must have an internal width of at least 12″, protrude at least 3″ from the wall and be arranged vertically no more than 18″ in the middle for the entire height of the window shaft. Have you ever applied for a window permit to replace your old outdated windows with new energy-efficient windows for your home, only to discover that some of the windows do not meet the window exit requirements? According to their name, oscillating windows that resemble a casement window open into the room rather than outward. Exit window recesses are required if the bottom of the exit window is under the floor. The outlet well must not interfere with the full opening of the exit window. The distance between the exit window and the rear of the outlet shaft shall be at least 36″. The minimum area of the outlet well must be 9 square feet.

(Width x projection) A window must meet certain requirements to pass the New York State exit window code. This requirement to exit the basement in New York State ensures the safety of residents by providing a second exit from a basement living space in the event of an emergency. If you need to install a new window, plan to spend $2,700 to $5,700 more. These costs include excavation and sorting of finishes, as well as the material used to construct the window shaft. Here are the basics of a typical basement exit window system: The exit window sills should not be larger than 44 inches from the floor. These dimensions are applied for safety precautions and easy movements inside and outside windows. It is also important to note that exit windows must also be free of obstacles that would prevent anyone from crossing the window. This means that you cannot place lockable metal rods on the outside of the window. In this guide, we`ll go over the requirements for the basement exit window and explain how to measure your exit window to determine if it needs to be coded. We will also review the different types of windows that can serve as exit windows. An exit window must be large enough to allow a room to be removed in the event of a fire or other emergency.

The required size and shape of this window is determined by the International Residential Code (IRC). Some jurisdictions may have additional requirements for the exit window as part of their building code. The internal width of ladders or rungs (a horizontal support on a ladder for a person`s foot) must not be less than 12 inches and must not exceed less than 3 inches from the wall. The vertical distance should not exceed 18 inches in the center over the entire height of the window shaft. Although the design of the steps is not mentioned in the provisions of the code, the design of the scale is the case scale. If you choose a swivel window, you need to make sure that there is enough space in the basement for the window to open inwards.