Egress Ladders

Originally the term egress means “a place or means of going out.” For example, a basement window qualifies as an egress when it serves as an emergency exit in case of a fire, flooding, or another type of emergency. Egress windows are larger, so they require stairs or a ladder added to the side of the basement well. Having steps are making the escape of any adult or a child from the basement quick and easy. 

The egress window well is also a way into the property. The well, along with the basement window opening, should be big enough to fit a fully equipped firefighter. 

To meet the IRC code requirements, the egress window well depth must reach 8″ – 12″ beneath the lower sill of the basement window. Therefore, the depth of the window well depends on how deeply your basement is buried underground. In our practice, we have advised homeowners with shallow egress window wells and extremely deep ones. 

If you need an extra deep metal window well, please, talk to one of our experts. We have any size and depth you might need

The minimum egress well requirements are as follows:

• The basement well depth must be 8″ – 12″ below the lower sill of the basement window.
• The well depth (above ground) must allow the well to extend a minimum of 2″ – 3″ above grade (soil level).
• The egress window well width must provide at least 2″ on either side of the basement window.
• According to the latest IRC requirements, the minimum egress window well projection is 36″.

Currently, homeowners are not required by law to cover their egress wells. However, recent statistics state that more accidents occur due to open large wells rather than basement fires. Therefore, Window Well Experts strongly recommend purchasing a sturdy large basement window well cover to protect your home and loved ones.

Some maintenance is required to keep your egress window well fully functioning and visually appealing all year round.

1. Remove Debris by Hand or Shovel. 
2. Bring Out the Vacuum — If Necessary
   1. Use a shop vac if there’s too much debris in the window well. 
3. What To Do With Dirty Gravel?
   1. If you notice that the gravel is accumulating excessive amounts of dirt, mud, sand, and other forms of debris, then it’s time to shovel it out and either replace it or wash it off.

We recommend thinking about the window well-draining system and adding a slick, sturdy top cover to prevent excessive debris. If you are already suffering from a flooding window well, check our guide for help.

The egress well depth (above ground) must allow the well to extend a minimum 2″ – 3″ above grade (soil level).

Basement Egress Safety & Code Compliance

1. Safety. The main reason to get a basement egress window kit is to add a fire escape when turning basement space into a livable area.
2. Code Compliance. The egress well must be at least 9 square feet to allow a firefighter with oxygen tanks to get into the well. Basements and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency and rescue opening. Such opening shall open directly into a public street, public alley, yard, or court.
3. Air and Light. Letting in the fresh air and natural light is the second most important job of the IRC-code compliant.

Basics start with the local IRC code requirements.

• A basement window must have 5.7 square feet of egress opening.
• The egress window well must be 8-10″ below the lower sill of the window and allow for a few inches above grade to allow for proper grading away from the house.
• Another purpose of the IRC code is to allow natural light and ventilation into basement spaces.

According to the egress requirements, an opening should be at least 5.7 square feet. The space should be enough for a grown person, including a fighter, to get into the well with oxygen tanks.

The egress window well must be between 8″ to 10″ below the lower sill of the window. And allow for a few inches above grade to leave a proper grading away from the building to help prevent water from getting into your basement.

Basement Window Measure Guide. The window opening must be 44″ from the floor or less. Everything, including window size, goes off of that.

To see more details about the installation of the wells, follow this link.

• Additional Tip: Consider hiring a professional instead of making it your next DIY project.