Egress Windows

E·GRESS: a means or place of going out, an exit.

An egress window is a window large enough, as defined by local building codes for entry or exit in case of an emergency. These are typically required when finishing a basement and are paired with an Egress Well with attached ladder or steps for easy escape.

When you’re adding a bedroom to your home or basement, you have to keep certain requirements in mind:

Minimum width of opening: 20 in.
Minimum height of opening: 24 in.
Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq. ft. (5.0 sq. ft. for ground floor)
Maximum sill height above floor: 44 in.

These regulations are new so if you have an older house make sure you keep it up to code for your own safety.

Seattle Municipal Code Information: Subchapter IV – Minimum Fire and Safety Standards