There are countless reasons for considering installing egress windows in your basement. It could be you want to protect your family in case of fire or add natural light to the dark basement space, or complying with the building code. Besides, when you have a basement game room, bedroom, or home theater room, you may want to have emergency rescue and escape openings. Furthermore, installing a Georgetown egress window will boost your home value for resale. Thus, egress windows can be a significant investment in your property. Consider below factors when choosing your Georgetown egress window;
Safety
Your egress window must meet the escaper requirements according to International Code Council. Thus, it would help to be mindful of the required measurements when selecting your egress window. For instance, your egress window is supposed to have a minimum opening width of twenty inches and a height of twenty-four inches. Moreover, the net clear opening should be 5.7 square feet and a sound floor space of 9 square feet with a dimension of thirty-six inches long and wide. In addition, when your egress window well depth is more than forty-four inches, it should have a permanent ladder.
Natural Light
One of the purposes of egress windows is to provide your basement with sufficient natural light. Sunlight can dramatically enhance the basement’s appearance and mood. Furthermore, the natural light can give your basement a welcoming feel and help lift the spirits of those who use it. Therefore, ensure that the egress window you select can offer sufficient natural light into your space. Fortunately, energy-star qualified windows will brighten your basement without affecting your energy bill.
Ease of Use
Your egress window must be convenient and easy to close and open if it serves the purpose of an escape route. Remember, as an escape or rescue route, the windows will be used in times of emergencies. You would not want to buy an egress window that is complicated to use when escaping from a fire. Thus, for the safety of your family, ensure that your egress window is user-friendly. For instance, you can select an operable window with one hand and should not open towards the egress well to make the movement through it more manageable.
The Weather Conditions
Lastly, ensure that you choose the right egress window depending on the space and weather conditions of your location. Besides, egress windows come in different styles and varied sizes constructed from various materials. Hence, select an Georgetown egress window that is compliant with your area’s building codes and able to withstand the soil and weather conditions in your area.
