Question: What is an egress window?
Answer: An egress window is a window that meets certain size specifications to permit the occupants of a room to escape a fire and also allow a fully outfitted firefighter to enter. At least one window in each bedroom must meet this requirement. An egress window must satisfy all four International Residential Code criteria:
1. Minimum width of opening: 20 inches (minimum opening height would have to be 42 inches to meet requirement #3)
2. Minimum height of opening: 24 inches (minimum opening width would have to be 35 inches to meet requirement #3)
3. Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 square feet (5.0 square feet for ground floor)
4. Maximum sill height above floor: 44 inches
Many older homes don’t meet this requirement and this could be very dangerous in case of a fire. You might want to check your own home and see if you meet these requirements. Better to be safe than sorry.
Don Jason
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