A damp and dark basement be extremely uninviting. Egress windows can be the perfect way to bring in more light and air flow all while increasing the value of your Metro Detroit home.
In fact, if you have plans to remodel your basement for additional sleeping areas, Michigan law now requires that egress windows are installed as an emergency escape route.
What is an Egress Window?
Egress windows are openings that are large enough for a person to exit through in case of an emergency. They also serve as an entry point for emergency responders such as firefighters, paramedics or law enforcement.
Since old-fashioned basement windows are typically small and impossible for anyone to exit or enter through, egress window installation is becoming extremely popular in the basements of older homes. And as stated earlier, egress windows are required by law if any occupants will using the basement as a bedroom or primary living area.
Egress Window Safety Requirements in Michigan
A basement egress window is required to open up at least 24 inches high, 20 inches wide, and possess a net clearance of 5.7 square feet. Also, they are required to be within 44 inches from the floor.
Keep in mind that these are the only the minimum size requirements. If you want any kind of light or air, you need to give yourself a little room. There are additional requirements such as windows must be completely functional and open without any tools, key, or special knowledge.
For this reason, it is crucial to consult with a Metro Detroit egress window installation company. In addition to meeting all of Michigan’s safety requirements, you must make sure the egress window is installed in a manner where it remains operable. Oftentimes inexperienced contractors or Do-it-yourselfers will make mistakes such as poor grading or improperly installed drains. As a result, water and debris can accumulate making the window difficult to open or to exit through.
Egress Window Available Styles
Even though there are very specific requirements, there are still a wide variety of egress windows to choose from. They come in various colors and can have multiple styles of glass panes and even different opening styles.
Double hung egress windows are found in many old and new homes. It consists of two sashes which overlap horizontally. The bottom half opens upward giving the window its unique shape. They most likely open from bottom to top, but can sometimes open from the top. Sliding windows are the basic windows you would normally expect -made of two glass panes, opening from side to side rather than opening vertically. Casement egress windows open and close like a door. Usually, they are opened with a handle or a rotating lever.
Looking for Egress Window Installation in Metro Detroit?
With more people looking to use basements as bedrooms, game rooms and other living areas, installing an egress window can help bring in more light, fresh air and most importantly create a safe escape route.
If you are looking for a company that provides egress window installation in Metro Detroit, contact Easy Exit Egress Windows today at 586-205-0351 or request a free quote on an egress window installation near you.
