Egress Windows – Perks and Installation in Lakewood, Colorado
Looking for someone to install Egress windows? Or want to find out more about them? Great, Baumann’s Windows (Tom Baumann Enterprises inc) which is located in Lakewood, Colorado aspires to assist you with just that. If you’re a new homeowner or a veteran, this company specializes in the installation of Egress windows making sure you’re legally following the mandatory rules and keeping safe.
What is an Egress Window and do I need one?
If you’re a new homeowner, you’re probably wondering what an Egress window is. An Egress window is commonly known as an “exit” and is used in case of emergencies. If an emergency happens, such as a fire or flood the Egress window will allow people to easily exit or enter
Do you need an Egress window? Since 1997 the US has made it a legal requirement to install Egress windows into every liveable area of the house, such as bedrooms. If the areas of your house that are considered liveable don’t have an Egress window, an inspection team will deem it as unsafe and a fire trap.
Benefits of Egress Windows
Although Egress windows are a legal obligation, they can naturally give you some benefits depending on where they’re installed. For example, you are legally required to install an Egress window in a basement. Doing this will allow the flow of natural light into it, turning a normally dark room into a well functional and naturally lighted area. But what are the other benefits?
Visually pleasing – You should never be put off by investing in an Egress window, although it may seem daunting getting one. Baumann’s Windows (Tom Baumann Enterprises inc) offers a variety of different shapes, sizes, colors and much more that is available upon request.
Air Circulation – As you know, basements have little to no space for windows. This is where an Egress window come in hand, it’ll be installed by making an opening just outside of the basement. Allowing natural light and air to flow through it. Having fresh air circulating through your basement is important to minimize the chances of mold and condensation.
Natural lighting – The fantastic thing about Egress windows is that they are large enough to let substantial volumes of daylight into any space, including basements. Natural lighting is particularly important for reducing the production of bacteria in a room, without sunlight bacteria can grow substantially. It also has some welfare benefits, including an improvement in your immune system.
Safety – Keeping your family safe is important and an Egress window does just that. As mentioned above, this type of window is considered an exit. An exit that can be used in life-threatening situations, such as fires or flooding. Installing these will ensure that your family member is safe, no matter what room they are in at the house.
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Different Types of Egress Windows
There are many types of Egress windows and it depends on where you want it installed and how you want it to operate.
The first I’d like to mention is a tilt and turn Egress window, this is the most unique and has the best functionality. A tilt and turn window (as mentioned in the name) can open in two ways. It can open like a normal casement window and can additionally be tilted inwards. We love the functionality of this window, as either opening allows for great air circulation without putting yourself or anyone else in danger.
Next, is a not so common type of Egress window. This is the skylight Egress window, It can allow an enormous amount of light in without ruining the aesthetically pleasing vibe of a room. Making sure your Egress window follows the regulations is important, a skylight Egress window needs to be at least 44 inches from the floor and 20 inches wide by 24 inches high (or more) to be considered an exit/entry route.
Now back onto a more common window type and this the single-hung Egress window. This window easily allows you to get natural ventilation to a basement. It also swings in effortlessly allowing this to be the perfect emergency exit if it was to arise. Such as a fire or a flood.
The next Egress window I want to talk about is the double-hung Egress window. If you’re wanting an Egress window like this one, just know that to fulfill the legal requirements for this window to be classed as an Egress window it has to be rather large. For a double-hung window to be considered an Egress, you’ll have to get one around 28-60 inches wide and 23.5-60 inches high.
Lastly, is the Awning Egress window. Not many people have this as an Egress window as it’s not appropriate for basements and only for ground or above floors. This is because awning windows are hinged on the top and open outwards from the bottom.
Is It a Legal Requirement to Have an Egress Window?
I’ve mentioned a few times throughout the article that Egress is a legal requirement. But why? An Egress window acts like an emergency exit allowing people to escape or enter. In the USA they require you to fit Egress windows in each liveable area of the house, such as bedrooms, basements, etc.
The size of an Egress window in the state of Colorado is mandatory to be at least 20 inches wide by 24 increase in height. It must also have a minimum clearance area of 5.7 square feet allowing an easy exit or entry route for anyone that uses it. The number of Egress windows installed really does depend on how many inhabited areas you have in your house.
Seeing the prices of having an Egress window installed in your basement may seem daunting, but it doesn’t just make it legal to make it a liveable area. It also provides great ventilation and natural sunlight to flow through the basement. This isn’t just great for the room itself, but also a lot healthier for the person or people that are living in there.