Benefits of Egress Windows and Wells

Safety is the main reason for installing a basement egress window. During an emergency, the occupants can safely leave the basement and emergency crews have a way to enter the home.

As a side benefit, the large opening against the foundation of the house made by the egress window well allows sunlight to enter. The natural light beautifies the basement and adds to the ambiance of the area. Many basement egress window wells also include tiers inside them to allow planters to be filled with plants. This also adds to the beauty of the basement.

Homeowners remodeling a home and builders building a new home would like to have a larger living space. By meeting the building codes for basement egress a finished basement can nearly double the living area. In fact, basement living space is the most affordable living area to build in a home.

Features of Basement Egress Windows and Wells

Basement Egress window wells come in many different shapes and designs. But all of them have several common features:

Some window wells have tiers so you can plant flowers in them and this improves the aesthetic view from the basement.

Nearly all of the basement egress window wells are made of polyethylene.

Egress window wells must have a ladder attached to the well if the window well is deeper than 44 inches. The ladder must be permanently attached. This allows an occupant of the basement to safely climb out of the basement. The ladder can intrude up to 6" into the well.

Any window well covers that are used must not require special tools to undo. Clear covers allow sunlight to enter the basement.

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