Egress Window Measurements Modern building standards have several requirements regarding egress in a home. All bedrooms and finished basements that do not have a door to the exterior should be equipped with properly sized egress windows. Egress windows are meant to permit the home’s occupants to escape during a fire and to allow a fully outfitted firefighter to enter these areas. The requirements for emergency exit from bedrooms and basements began in the 1960s. Many homes built prior to this period have not been updated to meet modern egress standards. While homes are not required to be updated to meet modern building standards, emergency egress is an important safety consideration.

A minimum of one window in each bedroom must comply with all of the following characteristics:

  • The window must be able to be opened from the inside, without a key, tool, or any special knowledge.
  • The bottom of the window must be less than 44 inches above the floor.
  • When the window is fully open, the opening must be a minimum of 5.7 square feet (5 square feet for ground floor).
  • The window width must be a minimum of 20 inches.
  • The window height must be a minimum of 24 inches.

Basement windows have the same requirements as bedroom windows. However, because basement windows are generally below the exterior grade, there are additional requirements for the window wells.

  • Egress Windows Window well covers can be installed, but must be operational from the inside without keys, tools, or special knowledge.
  • Window wells must allow the window to fully open.
  • Window wells must provide a minimum of 9 square feet of floor area, with a minimum length and width of 36 inches.
  • When the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches a ladder must be installed.
  • If the window is located under a porch there should be a minimum of 48 inches from the top of the window well to the bottom of the deck or joists.
  • Approved window well materials include rust resistant metal, treated wood, naturally decay resistant wood, concrete, masonry, plastic.

If a basement was remodeled at a time when modern egress standards would have been required, then at least one window must conform to the above regulations.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the period from 2015-2019, 26% of fires were reported in residential homes. However, 75% of fire related deaths overall occurred in residential homes. This is why having a properly functioning and easily accessible form of egress is so important. The good news is that the number of fire related deaths has decreased significantly since the 1970s. Updated building requirements and other safety features such as smoke alarms are contributing factors. Updating your home’s egress windows and regularly testing smoke alarms are essential steps towards creating a safe home environment.