Basement Waterproofing DC | Egress Windows
Egress windows add both safety and beauty to your home. Most local building codes require that any room which people sleep in have an egress window. The word egress comes from the Latin word ēgressus, meaning to escape, or go out. Now an egress simply means an exit. Knowing this, it makes sense that building codes require egress windows in all bedrooms. They are a means of escape in case of fires or other emergencies. If you are considering basement waterproofing in DC, you should be sure to add an egress window since you are having work done anyway.
Codes vary, but egress windows will also have certain specifications, including size and distance from the ground. The International Code Council (ICC), partly comprised by the construction industry, has published the International Residential Codes (IRC) as a standard. According to the International Residential Codes, egress windows must be at least 20 inches (50.8 cm) wide, at least 24 inches (60.96 cm) high, and have a minimum net clearing opening of 5.7 square feet (0.529 square meters) for any egress windows excluding those on ground level. The clearing opening is lowered to 5 square feet (0.464 square meters) for a ground-floor bedroom because a ladder isn’t needed to escape. The sills on egress windows can be no higher than 44 inches (111.76 cm) from the floor.
Most codes follow the standard of the IRC in the United States, but codes are handled locally and there is some variation. Many codes require that an egress window is large enough for a fire fighter to enter through with all necessary gear. Basement egress windows will require a window well accompanied by a ladder, depending on local building codes and the depth of your window well. There are companies that do basement waterproofing in DC that will also take care of egress windows and window wells. Some ordinances even require a certain type of window or latch for easy opening. Usually new homes comply with the IRC, but it is wise to check with local building ordinances before purchasing. Planning a project of basement waterproofing in DC should be relatively easy when it comes to code, as the ICC is based in Washington DC.
In the rare case that local building codes do not require egress windows, you will want them installed anyway. Extra exits in your home offer increased safety and peace of mind. Beyond the legal and safety aspects of these escape windows; your home will look better. Basement Egress windows help alleviate some of the gloom associated with basements by allowing natural light in. They also offer more opportunity for air flow and better ventilation. Homeowners can also set up their basement egress windows to have a view. Some put flowers in their window wells, and if you want to go all out, you can set up a terraced window well with stairs instead of ladder, so you can walk out of an emergency situation in style. Basement waterproofing in DC should always precede a basement remodeling project, and these projects generally include the installation of at least one egress window and window well.
