Egress Windows

3/17/2013 at 4:10:42 PM

Hi,

You have to check with your municipality to meet their definition and requirements for an egress window.

They all have to meet a minimum width, height and square footage. Contact your municipality for their specific requirements but typically they are approximately 6-8 sqft.

I hope this helps.

3/17/2013 at 4:21:57 PM

Hi George,

The minimum area for an egress window is 4.1 ft., 18" minimum or more for the openable part of the window, and no more than 2 foot 11 off the floor. I got this information from the TACBOC drawings BO2a.

Thank you and I hope this helps.

Colin Murray

3/17/2013 at 4:25:16 PM

Hi George,

The Ontario code is looking for a few things for an Egress window:

*Total minimum opening of 3.8 sq. foot when its fully open.

*The minimum smaller side is 15"

Some municipalities dictate some restrictions about the style of the window. In the G.T.A. we use double slider lift out windows, so when you lift out the two sashes the opening left has to be over the minimum size. You can go with larger size to also get you more light and more air. You can see some Egress window pictures in my profile at handy Canadian.

There are other demands like : lintel, min from floor, brick veneer and more...

Hope this can help

Harry C.

3/17/2013 at 5:08:12 PM

The size of opening has to be minimum 600 sq. inches. Usually 30"x20". Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the window wells(if below grade) need to be 24" from exterior wall.

Hope this helps.

3/17/2013 at 6:12:09 PM

The easiest way to meet the requirements is to use an awning window that swings in.

There are manufacturers that make a window just for the purpose of basement bedroom egress. They need to have an unobstructed opening area of 3.8 S.F. with no dimension less than 15". The sill height for a basement bedroom window needs to be no more than 3'- 3" from the finished floor.

If it opens into a window well you require 215/8" clearance from the window to the inside face of the window well. The glass area needs to be a minimum of 5% of the bedrooms floor area as well.

3/17/2013 at 11:40:46 PM

Hi George,

Local municipality will be able to help you with the question.

Lucas