Basement Egress System Overview

What is a Basement Egress System?

A basement egress system, or “means of egress,” is simply a basement window that provides an additional way out in case of emergency.

Complete basement egress systems are custom orders based on your project’s specifications. A complete system includes:

Egress window well
Egress window
Cover
Ladder

The content on this page will help you determine the information needed to place your order.

Check with your local building inspector to verify code requirements before ordering.

3D rendering of a complete basement egress system

Shop Egress Components with the navigation below.

EGRESS WINDOW WELLS EGRESS WINDOWS STANDARD WINDOW WELLS WINDOW WELL COVERS EGRESS LADDERS FOUNDATION ACCESS & VENTILATION

How do I measure for an egress window well?

When determining the size and style window well, it’s important to consider the following:

Width
Projection
Height
Style

Inside width, height and projection can be seen represented with the “A, B, & C” on the window well graphic.

Selecting egress system components

Define the Window Size

An egress window needs to have a minimum opening width of 20 inches and a minimum opening height of 24 inches. It also needs to have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet. The egress window also needs to be large enough to provide adequate natural light for the space. Check with your local codes on glass opening size requirements.

Egress windows should be easy to open, so consider sliding, in-swing, and casement opening styles. The Tilt N Turn window easily opens with one-hand operation.

The window construction should be able to withstand regular exposure to rain, sun, snow, and temperature fluctuations. In other words, consider materials that won’t rot or degrade over time.

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Size the Well Correctly

Ordering the correct egress well width and height is critical to a successful installation.

If the well isn’t the correct width, it will need to be stretched or compressed to fit the installation. This causes stress on the back wall and can ultimately cause a well failure.

If the well isn’t the correct height, there can be problems with landscape grading and proper water runoff.

Measure Egress Well Width

Define the window style and width
Window styles that swing out into the well will require a larger window well space
Wells should have 3” on each side of your window

Measure Egress Well Height

The top of the window well should extend a minimum of 2” above the established grade line
The base of the well should be at least 12” below the windowsill
Casement Outswing Windows: Note whether the outswing is above the well rim height. Outswing windows that are higher than the mounted window well rim will interfere with the installation of a Safe-T-View Cover

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Ladder Required by Code

For wells deeper than 44″, building code requires an egress ladder. We offer two styles of ladder depending on the style of window opening selected.

Life-Step™ Ladder

Hangs on the front or side of the well
Designed for use with in-swing and slider style windows

Corner-Step™ Ladder

Hangs in the corner of the well
For use with out-swing windows

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Cover the Well for Safety

Safe-T-View Covers™ are built to be strong while allowing in light. Covers are vented and designed with a slope for water drainage. A 2-1/2″ overhang on each side of the well and 2″ on front of the well provides additional coverage from the elements.

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