What are ground level basement windows called?

egress window
An egress window is designed as an escape route. When installed in a basement or on the first story of a home, a window well may be dug from the ground level to the basement level to expose the window and allow for escape.

How far should ground be below a basement window?

Leaving enough space to fit the window well comfortably, place it where you intend to install it and ensure it fits. Your window well needs to be at least 10 to 12 inches below the window opening. You’ll also want to leave at least 3 inches of the window well above the surface grade.

Do I need basement window wells?

Quick answer: If you have a basement window that is fully or partially below grade, you will need a window well to prevent leaking and help bring in light. If the basement window is in a habitable room, then you will need a window well and window that conforms to IRC Building Code emergency egress requirements.

How do I stop rain coming through my basement window?

5 Tips for Waterproofing Basement Windows

Caulk Basement Windows. Caulking or re-caulking your basement windows is a great first step in combating a leaky window.
Install and Maintain Window Wells.
Inspect Downspouts and Gutters.
Install New Windows.
Evaluate Grading.

What size do basement windows need to be?

Minimum area of 3.8 square feet and 15 inches in height and width minimum. Have sufficient clearance in front of it to allow full opening. Easily accessible, furniture well attached to the wall to climb to the window. Be able to open easily without hindrance on the outside.

When did egress windows become mandatory?

According to Jerry McCarthy, a former building code/construction consultant, the requirement that basement bedrooms have egress windows became part of the International Residential Code in 1997.

Should I put rocks in my window well?

There isn’t really a minimum level of rocks in your window well, but the levels should be appropriate given the depth of it (and going deep is always better). However, the window well should definitely not be overfilled. This increases the risk of flooding and windows breakage.

Does a window well need a drain?

Window Well Drain – Every window well should have a drain to allow water to exit the window well and not build to a level that creates a basement seepage problem. With a well-constructed and properly maintained drain, a window well should never fill with water.

Can you sleep in a basement without windows?

Under state and local housing codes, if anyone is sleeping in the below-ground level of a home, there must be a second door or window large enough for them to escape in case of fire. So, as fire safety experts say, any structure where there are people is at risk for fire.

Do all bedroom windows have to be egress?

For determining egress window sizes and placement, the International Building Code advises that every bedroom must contain at least one egress window. It must be at least 5.7 square feet, 20 inches wide by 24 inches high, with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor.

What kind of window is best for a partially above ground basement?

Double hung windows work best in fully above ground basements. They still will function properly in a partially above ground basement but it might not look right on your home. In the case of a partially above ground basement, a hopper or awning window might be a better option.

How big of a window do you need for a basement egress?

This is often the case if the window well itself sits more than 44 inches below ground level. Furthermore, most building codes require that basement egress windows open completely and provide at least 9 square feet of floor area.

When do you need to replace a basement window?

For example, if you have an underground basement (as opposed to a split level basement), you will also need to replace your window well and attach a ladder to the back of the well for easy exit to ground level. This is often the case if the window well itself sits more than 44 inches below ground level.

What’s the difference between above ground and above ground basements?

Above ground basements have the entry right at ground level. An above ground basement is often called a walk out basement since you can just step outside at the front door with no stairs. Raised bungalow homes have above ground basements that often have large windows in the front and a patio in the back.

What are ground level basement windows called? egress window An egress window is designed as an escape route. When installed in a basement or on the first story of a home, a window well may be dug from the ground level to the basement level to expose the window and allow for escape. How far…