Defining The Installation Timeline
When we schedule a window install for egress windows, we take into account a variety of factors. The team of professionals at Jackson Egress Windows arrives at a job site with a well-defined plan of action and a predetermined timeline. We understand that having new windows installed in your home can be disruptive, so we focus our efforts on completing the installation without delays. A majority of egress window installations are done in a single day. This means that we handle all preparation before the day of the installation. On the day of the window installation, we arrive early in the morning, handle the expected installation, and finish up before the evening. It’s important to us that our clients have full access to their home and basement back on the same day. Our number one goal is that every window is installed with meticulous attention to detail, and our number two is that our customers don’t have to wait overnight to seal up their home again. Some jobs may take longer if we encounter unusual circumstances during the installation process. This includes problems like unusually rocky soil and foundation materials. If we are doing a multiple egress window project, we will adjust the installation timeline. Generally speaking, even the most complex egress window projects take less than three full days. To get a better sense of the installation timeline for your project and how long our team will be working on your home, request a consultation and quote from Jackston Egress Windows.
What is an Egress Window?
The main purpose of an egress window is to act as an evacuation route for anyone inside a building, typically a basement. The requirements for an egress window change depending on your area, but typically large basement rooms or basement bedrooms. In the case of an emergency, like a house fire, an egress window provides an additional means of escape. The living spaces and bedrooms of any home will require windows of a minimum size. These codes protect residents and give them a means of egress, or escape. If an egress window is below ground level, there should be a window well. Window wells holdback the surrounding ground, and typically have a ladder or step to use during an escape. These basement windows should have a minimum width of 20 inches and a minimum opening height of 24 inches. Where standard windows aren’t code-compliant for emergency exits, egress windows are installed in their place. As a bonus, egress windows provide a significant amount of light compared to smaller garden-level windows. Continue reading to learn more about the installation process and installation time of egress windows.
Is a Basement Egress Window Required?
Basement egress window requirements are based on the International Residential Code. Typically, any large basements or basement bedrooms require an egress window or other form of emergency escape. There are very specific requirements that the windows must meet. Firefighters can use egress windows to access parts of a home that are inaccessible through normal methods of entry.
Reasons Installation Time May Vary
The installation time of egress basement windows is typically one day from start to finish. It’s incredibly important for our company to finish our projects on time so each client can fully have their home back the same day. The number of egress basement windows we install may extend the needed time. Most times, we install one window, but we handle jobs of any size. If your home has tight landscaping or a narrow yard, it may take longer to get the window installed. This also applies to locations near or below utility lines. The type of foundation can also cause issues. Poured concrete, stone, and standard block foundations require different techniques and special care, but typically can be cut within a day. The type of soil your home is built on can also affect the time it takes to dig. While standard soil causes no issues with excavation, dense or rocky soil can add time to the project. Areas with a high water table may require specialized drainage service. Obviously, severe weather can delay a project, but this is something that is out of everyone’s control. In the event we are unable excavate for the egress window on the scheduled day due to inclement weather, we will gladly reschedule for a time in the very near future. Request a consultation and quote to get a better understanding of the timeline for installing egress basement windows in your home.
Benefits of A Basement Window
The obvious benefit of an egress basement window is that it functions as an emergency escape. Egress windows save lives when fires break out, flooding occurs, or during other emergencies. Egress windows are required to be a minimum size, making escape possible, which also means natural light makes its way into the lower-level room. An egress window can be opened to allow fresh air into an otherwise stale basement. Egress windows also increase property value. A basement can’t function as a bedroom without an emergency escape route, so homebuyers may look for homes that specifically have basements with egress windows.
Our Window Installation Process
We begin work early, arriving at your home first thing in the morning. In most circumstances, we utilize hand tools for excavation, which minimizes invasion onto the property. In some cases, we bring in mini-excavators, but take extra precautions to protect your landscaping. Before cutting, we wrap the interior of the basement with heavy-duty plastic. We then begin cutting the concrete with extreme precision from the outside to minimize dust getting into the basement. We install drainage to protect the egress space from flooding during heavy rain. Next, we build a frame for the egress basement window and install the window itself. The egress well is attached to the foundation and covered with a well cover. We then backfill around the well and clean up soil and debris. We will revisit the jobsite at a later date to ensure complete satisfaction. Reach out today to learn more about our services and when we can schedule your egress window installation.