If you’re thinking about adding an egress window to your home, you’ve probably realized that there are a lot of rules involved. There are egress window building codes you have to meet for safety. In Columbus, Ohio, your egress windows have to meet both Ohio Residential Code and International Residential Code.
In this blog, we’re going to go over the most important egress window codes in plain terms. Visit our Egress Building Codes page to read the official language of the Ohio Residential Code and the International Residential Code (IRC code).
Egress Code Requirements
Egress Window Requirements in Ohio
Minimum Window Dimensions
One of the most important rules is about how large your window opening has to be. The Ohio residential code requires a minimum net clear opening of at least 5.7 square feet. The minimum opening height has to be 24 inches. And the width of the window opening has to be at least 20 inches.
- Net clear opening – 5.7 square feet
- Minimum opening height – 24 inches
- Minimum opening width – 20 inches
Maximum Height from Floor
Another important specification is how high the bottom of your egress window sits from the floor. There’s a limit on how high your window sill can be because if it’s too high, it becomes harder to climb out during an emergency. The maximum height your window sill can be from the floor is 44 inches.
- Maximum height from floor – 44 inches
Easy Opening
The Ohio residential code also states that all egress windows must open easily from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. In an emergency, you want your egress windows to open as easily as possible. You don’t want an egress window to stick or require a lot of force to open. You don’t want to be fumbling with complicated locks or latches either.
The Ohio residential code allows for bars, grilles, grates, and similar devices to be placed over your emergency escape, but only if these devices are “releasable or removable” from the inside without keys, tools, special knowledge, or more force than what would be required for normal operation of rescue openings.
If you choose to install bars or grilles over your egress window, you’re required to install smoke alarms nearby, too. The idea is that you’ll need an earlier warning of a fire if your escape could be made slower because of the cover.
- Egress windows must open easily from the inside without keys or tools or special knowledge
- Bars, grilles, and grates are allowed, but they must be releasable or removable from the inside without keys, tools, special knowledge, or a lot of force.
- If you install a window cover, you’re required to install additional smoke alarms nearby.
Window Wells are Required for Basement Egress Windows
If you’re installing an egress window in your basement, Ohio residential code requires that you also install a window well. The minimum horizontal area of the window well has to be 9 square feet with a minimum dimension of 36 inches, so you have enough space to open the egress window fully and crawl out of it.
If your window well has a vertical depth of more than 44 inches, you’ll also need to equip it with a permanent ladder or steps. Your ladder or steps have to have an inside width of at least 12 inches, project at least 3 inches from the wall, and they have to be spaced not more than 18 inches on center vertically for the full height of your window well.
FAQs About Egress Window Building Codes
Do all basement bedrooms really need an egress window?
Yes. If you use your basement as a bedroom, an egress window is required under local code requirements. Without an egress window, your basement may not legally qualify as a bedroom.
Can I install an egress window in an existing basement?
Yes, our team installs egress windows in existing basements regularly. Installing an egress window in an existing basement usually involves cutting into your home’s foundation. That’s why you want to hire experienced contractors for this kind of project.
Can any of my windows be converted into an egress window?
Your existing window opening has to be big enough to meet egress codes. The net clear opening has to be 5.7 square feet, the net clear opening height has to be at least 24 inches, and the net clear opening width must be 20 inches to qualify as an egress window. If you have a smaller basement window that you’d like to convert into an egress window, we can cut into your foundation to create compliant rescue openings.
What types of windows are best for rescue openings?
Casement windows are one of the most popular choices for rescue openings because they swing open fully and make it easier to meet the minimum opening requirements. Sliding and double-hung windows can also work, but sometimes they need to be larger since only part of the window opening is usable when open.
Do basement egress windows always need to have a window well?
In most cases, yes, you’ll need to install a window well too. Basement egress windows need wells so that they can be easily accessed from both the inside and outside. The well has to meet size and drainage requirements, too.
Do egress windows need drainage systems to meet code?
Yes. Most Columbus building codes require proper drainage in the window well so water doesn’t pool and block the window opening. This usually means adding gravel or a drain to keep your well clear.
Can I cover my egress window well with a well cover?
Yes, but it has to be easily removed from the inside. To meet egress window codes, the cover can’t block the window opening or make it harder to escape during an emergency.
Do I need a permit for egress window installation in Columbus?
Yes, since the job involves structural modifications (cutting into your foundation). Permits and inspections are required to make sure the installation meets all local and international residential standards. When you work with Jackson Egress Windows, our team will help you navigate all the paperwork.
Jackson Egress Windows Today
Egress Window Installations in Columbus Ohio
Are you looking for an experienced egress window company in Columbus, Ohio? Call Jackson Egress Windows to schedule a consultation today. We’ll explain the entire installation process and help you choose the right egress windows for your basement. And, most importantly, we’ll install your egress windows the right way to make sure they’re safe and compliant.