Protect Your Basement Egress Window with a Window Bubble®

By Bill Dilworth On August 31, 2020 0 Comment

Protect Your Basement Egress Window

Nothing is more important than your family’s safety, and that includes having emergency measures in place if, unfortunately, the need arises. Naturally, doors and windows provide an exit, but rooms that sit below ground level require a specific type of escape route. Learn more about Egress Windows and why you should Protect Your Basement Egress Window.

The Purpose of an Egress Window

An egress window provides an emergency means of escape for areas such as basement rooms. These windows need to open easily from the inside without any keys or tools. The opening must also be large enough for you and your family to exit safely and give firefighters and rescue personnel a way in.

Basement egress windows can be a bit challenging since they rest mostly below ground level. There has to be enough space within the window well area to move around and to open the window entirely. If the window well is fairly deep, a ladder or steps need to be accessible to climb up and away from danger.

Building codes vary from state to state and city to city, but universal guidelines regarding egress windows exist. The International Residential Code (IRC) strictly requires basement rooms to have at least one emergency escape and rescue opening, and the opening must meet minimum size requirements.

Keep Your Egress Window Free from Obstruction – Protect Your Basement Egress Window

When your basement egress window is surrounded by a window well, you may want to install a protective grate or bars. Better yet would be a cover that encloses the window well completely. Of course, any covering you choose needs to open without keys or tools for an easy exit.

If you want to keep the area within the window well free of obstructions such as debris, water, snow, and animals, plus prevent accidental slips or falls into the opening, then a full enclosure is essential.

The family-owned Dilworth Manufacturing Company, the creator of Window Bubbles®, works with the homeowner to develop a design best suited to each property. No matter the shape, size, or window well material, customized covers can be made to fit the opening. The craftsmanship and beauty of our egress window well cover will surely enhance your property, as shown in our gallery of designs.

Window Bubble® construction complies with the International Building Code (IBC) regarding covers for egress window wells. The custom-made, durable 3/16” Plexiglas® covering is crystal clear and low maintenance, allowing natural light into your basement room while eliminating the worry of any obstruction delaying your escape in an emergency.