Safety comes first when it comes to your home and your family. A basement is a place where you need to ensure that the safety standards continue and everything is up to code. Before we dig into this further, how do you make sure your basement is egress code compliant? If you just have the furnace, washer and dryer and the like in your basement, there is no need to do anything else–the codes do not apply.
The word egress is defined as a means to get out or exit. Egress codes regulate whether or not your home is set up for a safe emergency exit. This includes a basement window large enough for entrance or exit during an emergency. Having your basement egress code compliant is important for the safety of your family.
Egress codes vary depending on what state your home is located so you must make sure you are following the correct codes. Your local codes may vary from state regulations, so please check with your city or county building inspector.
Does my Basement NEED an Emergency Exit?
Egress codes are dictated by the ICC and come from the International Residential Codes (IRC). The IRC requires that you do in fact, have an egress window and window well if you have a livable basement, especially if you have bedrooms in your basement.
Okay, so I Need an Egress Window, Now What?
Before you start tearing a hole in your wall, we have all the measurements and codes you need. Look here for additional IRC code information. This tells you if your basement room needs an emergency exit and how large that window and window well is required to be.
As mentioned before, different states have different codes. Each state may use a variation of the national codes. When you click on the link listed above, you can easily find your state by using the drop-down menu that says “select a state”. Always double-check with your local county building inspector since the rules and regulations are frequently changed.
On the page of your selected state, you will find the minimum requirements of opening area, opening height, and opening width for emergency escape and rescue openings.
You will also be informed about bulkhead enclosures, ladder requirements, emergency escape windows under decks and porches, and drainage.
Get out That Measuring Tape
Okay, now that you know what codes you need for your area, let’s check if your basement is up to date. There is a “quick glance” picture provided for you on the website. It will make it easy to see where to take the measurements quickly.
For the basement window itself, you’ll want to measure the minimum opening above the grade and the minimum opening below the grade. You will also be checking the minimum width and height of the window. Most states and municipalities require 5.7 square feet of exit space.
Now moving on to the egress window well. For the egress requirements, you will have to check the minimum width and minimum projection, which is 36″ wide x 36″ projection. This is the amount of space allowed for a firefighter with air tanks to enter your basement for emergency rescue. Also, you will need an egress ladder if your well is deeper than 44″ from gravel at the bottom to the lip of the well.
Painless Right?
This might not be the first thing you want to do on a Saturday morning, but set aside a little time make sure your basement is egress code compliant. it is easy to find the codes for your area on the website link listed above. You will feel better knowing that your basement is egress code compliant and safe for your family.