Need an Egress Window?
We offer a number of different egress window packages! Are you wanting a wooden wooden well over a steel window well? Or do you want a unique interior finish? We have all the skills required to fulfill your egress window installation needs!
Why does a basement window require to be egress?
Calgary building codes require each basement bedroom and main room to have an egress compliant window, allowing for a second exit in case of a fire or if carbon monoxide is present. Wether you are renovating your basement, or looking to add an additional bedroom, an egress window is the perfect addition to have a legal basement suite.
What are the requirements for an egress window?
According to the Alberta building codes, if an egress window is a sliding window it must have the minimum dimensions of 44" x 33" or 48" x 30". The advantage of these windows is that they slide open and are quicker and easier to open. The minimum dimension requiemtns for a casement egress window must be 31.5" x 31.5". These windows work by using a hinge system that opens out.
As well, the opening must at a minimum 15" x 15" (Height and Width) to meet standard egress building codes. You cannot cut out more than 25% of the wall, you must be at a minimum 36" from an exhaust vent, have 6" of drainage rock in the bottom of your well and have at least 6" of clearance from the bottom of the window to the top of the drainage rock. Lastly, if a window is under a cantilever, the cantilever cannot be more than 25.5" from the foundation wall.
Once all these are met, you have a legal egress basement window according Calgary building requirements!
When does an egress window need a window well?
According to Alberta and Calgary building codes, an egress window must have window well if it is below ground level. The minimum dimensions must be no less than 30", or 760mm, protruding from your foundation wall. A window well must be set at a minimum 2" from grade level, but cannot be set more than 6" above grade.