Basement Egress Windows & Window Enlarging Services

Basement window featuring a transom piece above it.

At Northcon Corp, we turn dimly lit and confined basement spaces into bright, inviting areas with our expert egress window installation and basement window enlargement services. Elevate your home's safety, aesthetics, and functionality by adding an egress window to your basement or enlarging existing basement windows to invite more natural light.

Completed basement egress window with a window well and a transom piece.

What is a Basement Egress Window?

An egress window is a specialized window designed to serve as a safe and legally compliant emergency exit point from a building, particularly in the construction of a legal basement or below-grade living spaces. The primary purpose of an egress window is to comply with building codes and safety regulations, ensuring that occupants have a viable means of escape and rescue personnel can enter swiftly during emergencies.

Key characteristics of an egress window include its size, location, and accessibility. These windows typically have larger openings than standard windows to allow for easy passage and are strategically positioned to provide the most direct route to safety. Building codes often specify minimum dimensions to ensure that the window meets safety standards in the construction of a legal basement.

The construction of a basement egress window involves careful consideration of the surrounding environment. A window well may be excavated outside the window to allow for proper drainage and prevent water accumulation.

Apart from its crucial role in emergency situations and legal basement construction, an egress window also contributes to the overall livability of basement spaces. By providing natural light and ventilation, it enhances the comfort and functionality of below-grade areas, making them more inviting and habitable.

In summary, an egress window is an essential safety feature in building construction, specifically designed to ensure a secure and accessible exit from below grade living spaces, contributing to the overall compliance and functionality of the structure, particularly in the context of legal basement construction.

Basement egress window completed with an accompanying window well.

Egress Window Installation: Illuminate and Ensure Safety

Illuminate Your Space

Say goodbye to dimly lit basements. Our egress window installations bring natural light streaming into your lower level, transforming it into a welcoming and habitable space.

Safety First

Basement egress windows are not just about light; they're a critical safety feature. In case of emergencies, these windows provide a safe and accessible exit, meeting building code requirements and ensuring the well-being of your family.

Professional Design

Our team of skilled professionals design and install egress windows with precision and care. A variety of styles can be tailor-made to seamlessly integrate the window into the aesthetic of your home.

Code Compliance

Rest easy knowing that our egress window installations strictly adhere to local building codes and regulations. We prioritize safety and compliance in every step of the process.

Interior view of the basement with two newly installed basemen windows providing ample natural light.

Benefits of Enlarging Existing Basement Windows or Installing New Larger Windows

Maximize Natural Light

Upgrade your existing basement windows to allow more natural light to flood your space. Our window enlargement services create a brighter and more inviting environment.

Improved Ventilation

Enlarged windows not only enhance natural light but also improve ventilation in your basement. Enjoy fresh air and reduce that "below-ground" feeling.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Elevate the exterior and interior appeal of your home with stylish and modern window designs. Our enlargement solutions seamlessly integrate with your home's architecture.

Energy Efficiency

Modern, energy-efficient windows contribute to better insulation and reduced energy costs. Upgrade your basement's windows for both aesthetics and energy savings.

Home Value

The addition of larger basement windows can be seen as a valuable upgrade, potentially increasing the overall resale value of your home. Buyers often appreciate well-lit and well-ventilated basement spaces.

Adaptability for Future Use

If you have plans to finish or renovate your basement for additional living space, enlarging the windows now can be a proactive step. It prepares the space for potential future use and ensures that it meets or exceeds the requirements for habitable areas.

Compliance with Codes

In some cases, enlarging basement windows may be necessary to meet current building codes or safety regulations. This is particularly relevant if you plan to use the basement as a habitable space.

Recently installed basement window, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal to the space.

Several scenarios can lead to egress windows not meeting the correct requirements. Here are common situations.

Improper Sizing

If the dimensions of the egress window, including width, height, and clear opening area, do not adhere to local building codes, it can fail to meet the correct requirements.

Incorrect Placement

Placing the egress window in a location that doesn't ensure proper accessibility or doesn't comply with safety standards can lead to non-compliance.

Lack of Window Wells

In cases where window wells are required but not installed or are inadequately designed, the egress window may not meet safety and code requirements.

Obstructed Access

If there are obstructions such as landscaping, structures, or other barriers that impede safe and swift access to the egress window, it can be deemed non-compliant.

Inadequate Grates or Covers

Failing to install proper grates or covers that meet safety standards can result in an egress window not meeting requirements, especially in terms of preventing accidents.

Insufficient Lighting

If the egress window doesn't provide adequate natural light or doesn't meet minimum brightness requirements, it may not fulfill its intended safety and functionality purposes.

Structural Integrity Issues

If the installation compromises the structural integrity of the home or doesn't consider the load-bearing capacity of the surrounding walls, it may fail to meet the correct requirements.

Non-Compliant Window Styles

Choosing window styles that don't meet egress requirements or standards can lead to non-compliance.

Exterior view highlighting the functionality achieved by the installation of new basement windows.

Why Choose us for Basement Egress Window Solutions?

Expertise and Experience

Our team brings years of experience and expertise to every project, ensuring top-notch craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

Code Compliance

We prioritize safety and code compliance in all our installations, providing peace of mind for homeowners.

Customization

Tailor our services to fit your unique preferences, ensuring the egress window or enlarged windows align with your home's design.

Professional Installation

Our skilled professionals handle every aspect of the installation process, from design to construction, guaranteeing a seamless and efficient experience.

Client-Centric Approach

Your satisfaction is our priority. We work closely with you to understand your needs and deliver solutions that exceed your expectations.

Ready to bring light, safety, and style to your basement?

Contact us at 647-888-7552 today to receive a complimentary, no-obligation quote or for further details on the seamless process of installing your egress windows. Let's transform your basement into a brighter, safer, and more enjoyable space with our expert egress window installation and basement window enlargement services.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Egress Windows

Please reach us at sales@northconcorp.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Why do I need an egress window in my basement?

Egress windows serve as crucial emergency exits, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes by providing a direct means of escape in case of emergencies.

Are egress windows only for emergency purposes?

No, besides serving as emergency exits, egress windows enhance natural light and ventilation in basements, making the space more habitable and contributing to overall well-being.

Does every basement require an egress window?

Building codes often mandate egress windows in habitable spaces like bedrooms. If your basement has a bedroom or is intended for habitation, an egress window is likely mandatory for safety and legal compliance.

How do glazing area requirements vary for bedrooms and living spaces based on the age of the home?

Basement windows are more than just egress points—they are essential for each living room and bedroom in the basement apartment, fulfilling the glazing area requirements of the building code.

For homes older than 5 years:

Bedrooms require a 2.5% glazing area relative to the overall bedroom space.

For homes less than 5 years old:

Bedrooms necessitate a 5% glazing area relative to the overall bedroom space.
Living rooms and dining areas call for a 10% glazing area relative to the overall living space.

How many egress windows does my legal basement apartment need to meet the requirements?

A minimum of one egress window is necessary for the entire basement apartment. Ensure the dimensions are a minimum of 18 inches in clear opening each way, totaling a minimum of 4 square feet of clear opening.

Can an existing window be converted into an egress window?

Yes, it is possible to convert an existing window into an egress window, but it involves several considerations. Egress windows have specific size requirements mandated by local building codes, including minimum opening dimensions and clear opening area. If the existing window can be modified to meet these criteria, the conversion is feasible.

Key aspects to address during the conversion process include assessing the window's size, ensuring proper accessibility for emergency egress, obtaining the necessary permits, and complying with building codes. Professional assistance from a contractor or structural engineer is highly recommended to assess structural integrity, confirm sizing requirements, and guide the modification process.

Additionally, considerations for the installation of a window well, drainage, and any aesthetic impact on both the interior and exterior of the home should be taken into account. The goal is to seamlessly integrate the egress window while maintaining the safety, legality, and visual harmony of the existing structure.

Overall, while converting an existing window into an egress window is possible, it is a complex undertaking that should be approached with careful planning and professional guidance to ensure compliance with safety standards and building codes.

Can I install an egress window myself, or do I need a professional?

While some homeowners may have the skills, it's advisable to consult with a professional for egress window installation. Proper installation is critical for safety and compliance with building codes.