Basement Decorating | Insulation | Ceiling Ideas | Flooring | Basement Egress Windows

When we refer to an egress window we mean a window that allows you to escape in the event of an emergency such as a fire.  It used to be that the windows you found in basements were very very small and only allows minimal amounts of light into the basement.  Now because of safety regulations, these small windows are no longer allowed and egress windows are requied for basements that are living spaces.

In the past some people decided to try and get around these regulations by claiming that their basement would be used as an office but then they would actually turn it into a bedroom.  This trick on longer works so be careful about this.  If you want to use your basement for living purposes then you need to use an egress window.  When using your basement for other living purposes then you need to have two escape routes and this includes an egress window.

The installation of an egress window doesn’t have to be difficult and it can all be done normally in a day.  The area that is in front of your window will need to be dug out so that there is enough space for your window.  You might also dig a hole beside your foundation which is about 6 inches deeper than where the bottom of your window is situated.  So that most adults can climb through the egress window you will want to have is about 48 square inches so that this can happen.

After you have done the above in terms of clearing the front of the window you will then need to score the concrete and hole will be cut so that you are able to put the egress window in place.  After you have done all the necessary cutting you should use a good heavy hammer and a chisel so that all the needed concrete can be take away along with any bricks you need to discard.  This is quite a lot of work for replacement basement windows.

You can elect to build a window box frame that is made from some lumber which has been pressure treated and this is then slid into the appropriate place.  You will then want to attach your wooden frame using some nails made from concrete and then slid into the best place.  You will need to have someone help you with this as it’s too difficult for just one person.  One of you should hold the window box in the best place whilst the other will nails it in/

It is important that you follow the advice and if you don’t know what you are doing you should have a professional contractor out to do the job for you .  Using a caulk to seal the window opening will be needed.  If you find any gaps caused by knocking in the hole then this should be filled in with some mortar.  After all the repairs have been carried out you should then plce the trim in.  To finish your egress basemetn window then you will want to use some more caulk to make everything just right and prefect.

To ensure that a good drainage sytmem is in place then using what is known as a window well is essential.  These are premade and very simple to use.  Creating a slope so that water runs away from your home will be needed because unfortunately basement aren’t that great when it comes to water.

Because egress windows aren’t your typical window you will have them underground for your basement.  This means that using much stronger glass is required than typically thought of for windows.  Remember safety is always at the forefront of your mind when it comes to basement egress windows.  If your looking for basement replacement windows then prehaps seeking advice from a contractor is wise.

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