Medium Size Window Wells

An egress window well serves as a rescue opening and operable emergency escape route from a basement. The International Residential Code requires a minimum clear opening of at least 5.7 square feet for the window, and the well must have a projection of at least 36 inches at ground level. A standard well is smaller and designed to let in natural light, but it does not meet emergency exit size requirements.

Most building codes require a means of egress from any basement bedroom or habitable living space. An egress window well gives your family a safe way out in an emergency and is required in most states for any sleeping room below ground level. Even basements used for storage or utilities can benefit from the added natural light an egress well provides. Check your state’s egress code or contact your local building inspector to confirm what applies to your home.

There is no simple answer to this question. Everything depends on the reason you need the well and the size that may be required by code. The weather and ground conditions in your area can also influence which window well is the best fit.

There are several factors to consider:

• Egress Compliance – This is the most important consideration when purchasing a window well. If the basement window is meant for emergency exit, your window well must comply with your local means of egress codes.
• Aesthetics – Standard corrugated steel wells are a sturdy option, but sometimes you want to improve the view from your basement. We carry decorative wells in egress sizes, and Decorative Liners are an economical way to improve the look of smaller wells.
• Durability – We proudly offer the best wells on the market. Correct installation and a well-fitting cover will extend the life of your window wells, keep animals and debris out, and most importantly keep snow and rain outside the well where they belong.

We offer a range of egress window wells including white, decorative stone-look, and fiberglass options. We also offer complete code-compliant package deals with our Egress Kits. Egress codes vary at the state and county level. If you have a question about window well sizing requirements to make your basement egress code compliant, please call us.

We offer window wells in galvanized steel, white steel, and fiberglass/composite materials. Steel wells handle soil pressure well against the foundation, while fiberglass and composite options resist rust and are lighter to install.

Some of our egress wells come with a built-in ladder. For wells that do not, escape ladders are available as a separate item and can ship together with your egress well. A ladder is required for egress wells over 44” deep. This makes it easier to climb out of a larger window well in the event of an emergency. Custom window well covers are also available to bundle with your order. Ask our customer service team for details.