An egress window serves as a crucial means of escape during emergencies, such as fires, providing safe access not only for occupants but also for emergency personnel. To qualify as an egress window, the window must adhere to specific requirements and dimensions.

When constructing or renovating a home, compliance with building codes is of utmost importance. In the majority of jurisdictions, egress windows are mandated by local building departments. The International Residential Code (IRC) Section R310 stipulates that egress requirements must be met for basements, bedrooms, habitable attics, and any other sleeping rooms, except basements solely used for mechanical equipment within a total floor area not exceeding 200 square feet. In basements with multiple sleeping rooms, each room must have its own egress route.

Egress Window Requirements

Egress windows must fulfill certain criteria, including a maximum sill height and a clear opening with minimum width, height, and square footage. The clear opening refers to the unobstructed passage from the interior of the room to the exterior when the window is fully opened.

To meet egress standards, a window must satisfy the following conditions:

• Minimum clear opening width: 20 inches
• Minimum clear opening height: 24 inches
• Minimum clear opening square footage: 5.7 square feet
• Sill height not exceeding 44 inches above the floor, and if below grade (e.g., basement), it should include a window well.

It is essential to understand that meeting all three clear opening requirements is imperative. For instance, a window with a clear opening of precisely 20 inches wide by 24 inches tall would not qualify as egress, as it falls short in square footage.

Window Egress Exceptions

There are very few exceptions to the window egress requirements and exceptions vary from location to location. It is extremely important to discuss any specific egress window exceptions with your local building department. Exceptions may be granted, but are not guaranteed, if the window is at grade level or lower, the home is very old, or if you are replacing windows with the exact type of window that was previously installed. Again, exceptions are rare – and any potential exception should be discussed in depth with your local building department, and it is possible for one area to allow one exception but an area very close by will not allow that same exception.

Milgard Egress Windows

When it comes to egress windows, Milgard stands as a reliable and reputable choice, offering a range of high-quality windows that meet the necessary requirements for safe and compliant emergency exits. Milgard’s commitment to craftsmanship, durability, and innovative design ensures that their egress windows not only enhance the safety of occupants but also comply with local building codes and regulations.

• Safety and Compliance: Milgard understands the critical importance of providing safe escape routes in case of emergencies, such as fires or other hazards. Their egress windows are meticulously designed to meet the specific criteria outlined by building codes, ensuring that occupants have easy and unobstructed access to exit the building swiftly and safely. By adhering to egress requirements, Milgard egress windows contribute significantly to the overall safety and well-being of individuals residing in homes or buildings.
• Diverse Configurations and Options: Milgard offers a diverse range of window configurations and options to suit various architectural styles and preferences. Whether it’s horizontal sliders, vertical sliders, casements, sliding doors, or swinging doors, Milgard provides egress-compliant options for multiple window types. This versatility allows homeowners and builders to choose the best-suited egress window style for each room, while still meeting the necessary safety standards.
• High-Quality Materials and Craftsmanship: Milgard has earned a reputation for using top-quality materials and employing excellent craftsmanship in their windows. By investing in Milgard egress windows, customers can be confident that they are acquiring products built to last. These windows are engineered with precision and constructed to withstand the test of time, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
• Expert Guidance and Support: Understanding the importance of egress compliance and its impact on overall safety, Construction Windows is a top 20 Milgard Window seller that provides expert guidance and support to customers. Our knowledgeable staff can help individuals make informed decisions about selecting the right egress windows for their specific needs and local requirements. Customers can be assured that they are choosing the appropriate windows to meet egress standards and safety regulations.
• Seamless Integration with Home Design: Beyond the safety and compliance aspects, Milgard egress windows seamlessly integrate with the overall design of a home or building. With a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes available, customers can find egress windows that complement their existing architectural aesthetics, enhancing both the interior and exterior appeal of their property.

Milgard egress windows provide a reliable and elegant solution for meeting safety and compliance requirements in buildings and homes. With a focus on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, Milgard remains a trusted choice for those seeking egress-compliant windows that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. By choosing Milgard egress windows, homeowners and builders can have peace of mind, knowing they have made a responsible and secure investment in the safety of their occupants.

Types of Egress windows

Egress windows have various configurations, with the emphasis on meeting the required criteria rather than being a specific window type. Popular choices include horizontal sliding windows, that can meet egress standards in common sizes, and casement windows, known for their larger clear opening relative to overall size. Doors can also serve as an egress route if they meet the necessary requirements.

ConstructionWindows.com offers customizable options with a large selection of Milgard Windows. Our expert staff can guide you in choosing the right windows for your project, ensuring compliance with egress requirements. Milgard Windows provide a range of configurations, including horizontal sliders, vertical sliders, casements, sliding doors, and swinging doors, making them an excellent choice for both egress and standard windows.

Buy Egress Windows Online

Ready to start building egress windows for your project? Construction Windows offers a convenient, easy-to-use online windows builder. When you build through our online window builder, you can ensure that your windows are designed to your specific customizations and leave behind the worry of pick up and transportation. Once your windows are designed, we ship them directly to you in 6 states including Washington.  Have more questions about egress windows? Get in contact with one of our window experts today.