Code-Compliant Basement Egress Windows in Calgary

Safe & Energy Efficient Egress Windows for Your Home

Egress windows are meant for escape in case of fire or other emergency and are required by the National Building Code of Canada.

Windows designated as egress windows must be large enough, placed correctly, and easy to open without special tools. These vinyl windows are occasionally paired with ladders or steps for an easy escape from basements and upper floors.

RVW Ltd will be pleased to help you inform where to install egress windows and advise you on what sort of window is best to use ideal size requirements and any issues regarding installation.

Where Can You Install Egress Windows In Calgary For Your Home?

The requirement for egress windows is for bedrooms (rooms used for sleeping purposes) on all floors as well as in basements.

In new construction, egress windows are required in a basement if the design is such that rooms will later be finished off as bedrooms. If you add a basement bedroom to an existing home, you must install an egress window in that room as well.

Adding egress windows to an existing home is not just a necessary chore to satisfy the building code. Egress windows can be attractive as well as functional and make your home more livable as well as increase its resale value.

Where Do You Need Egress Windows in Your Home in Calgary?

The requirement for egress windows is for bedrooms (rooms used for sleeping purposes) on all floors as well as in basements. In new construction, egress windows are required in a basement if the design is such that rooms will later be finished off as bedrooms. If you add a basement bedroom to an existing home, you must install an egress window in that room as well. Adding egress windows to an existing home is not just a necessary chore to satisfy the building code. Egress windows can be attractive as well as functional and make your home more livable as well as increase its resale value.

What Windows Qualify as Egress Windows?

There are a specific size and other requirements for egress windows. The International Residential Code has four requirements for egress windows.

Egress windows shall provide unobstructed openings with areas not less than 0.35 m2 (3.8 ft2), with no dimension less than 380 mm (15 in.). The unobstructed opening must be measured between the window components (sashes, jambs, sills, opening mechanisms, etc.)

The point of these requirements is that children will be able to get up and through the window in case of a fire and that adults will fit through the opening.

Remember that the requirements have to do with the clear space in a window opening and not the size of the frame or the glass panel. It refers to space through which you and your children must crawl to get to safety!

You Must Be Able to Open an Egress Window without Tools

During life and death, an emergency is not the time to be looking for keys for a lock or a screwdriver, plyers, or spanner. Thus a requirement for egress windows is that they can be opened in a hurry without the use of special keys or tools.

If a basement or main floor window is fitted with a security screen or bars, they must have must also be easy to open without having to go looking for tools!

The Total Open Area is Important for an Egress Window

The minimum dimensions of an egress window are twenty inches for the width and twenty-four for the height. However, a twenty by twenty-four-inch opening only has an area of three and three-tenths square feet!

The opening has to have a cross-sectional area of five and seven-tenths square feet.

Don’t worry. At RVW Ltd we know building codes for Calgary and throughout Alberta and we know our egress windows. Come to see us, and we will be pleased to show you attractive, durable, cost-effective windows to use as egress windows. For example, a casement window with a hinged sash typically works well for this purpose even in cramped spaces as the window swings free and leaves all of the opening available to egress.

Customer Reviews

    
 
 
         
   Tyler Chen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
        
   Keith Fournier 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had casement windows and a sliding patio door installed by Royal View and we are really happy with the final results.  When we inquired about the windows they were very thorough in their assessment and answered any questions we had.  Dmitri was easy to communicate any changes or questions we had during the ordering phase and made us feel comfortable with our choices.  Pricing was very reasonable from a canadian manufacturer.  The wait time for shipping from the factory was very reasonable and given we had a leak in one window this was important.  The install team arrived on time and set up tarps to protect our floors and furniture.  The team was very quiet and all of them were very focused on the work during the install.  The final results is beautiful windows with great attention to the fine details.  We are very happy we went with Royal View Windows and will be using them in the future.
  
 
        
   Tracy Carroll 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We hired Royal View to replace some windows for us due to water penetration. During the process we upgrade the old dated bathroom window (that didn't open) to a frosted awning window with a clear window above, replaced the single back door with a window and replaced the back window with sliders. This was something that we thought would be far to pricey to do but was extremely affordable with Royal View. They also went above and beyond with extra protection on the exterior as there is a gap between the window install and siding replacement. The team was very quick and efficient. Install only took 2 days. Alex was excellent at communicating and all correspondence was answered almost immediately. We will certainly be using Royal View when we replace the rest of our windows.
  
 
        
   Zack Gilmore 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had 6 windows replaced including a tricky half moon shaped one. Swift replacement, great prices and excellent transparency. Will recommend.
  
 
        
   Anil Jain 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently needed replacement of 7 windows due to deteriorating wooden frame. This was a complex task because all windows were on the same load-bearing wall.
Our experience with Royal View Windows was exceptional. Alex provided sound advice in terms of the type of windows best suited, temporary structural support required, window replacement and more. His team was professional in all of these activities. We were very satisfied with the quality of their workmanship and would highly recommend them from a simple to a more complex job.
  
 
        
   Donald Boswell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our condo building has used this company more than once. The quality and service are top notch.
  
 
        
   Sarah Humble 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are so happy with our new windows! Alex was incredibly easy to deal with and Dimitri (and team) were very efficient with the installation. We would highly recommend them!
  
 
        
   Jeremy Yung 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reached out to get a quote on replacing a number of windows with awning or casement style opening. Royal view was very prompt to arrange a quote and quick to answer any questions and provide an estimated timeline for installation.
Installation was completed very quickly and Royal view followed up the next day to confirm our satisfaction. I had mentioned that I noticed some gaps with the window trim which was remedied the same day. Would definitely recommend Royal View Windows.
  
 
        
   Alisa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is our second time using Royal View Windows and we are very happy with our new windows. They replaced all eight windows in our bungalow. Everything done in one day. Great workmanship and communication throughout.
  
 
        
   Nicole 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm thrilled with my new windows. There was a bit of complication early-on and I had to go back and remeasure, but we got it sorted and they walked me through exactly what was required. Dimitriy and team were friendly, professional and attentive. I look forward to when I can do the rest of our house. Thanks, RVWE!

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Egress Windows FAQ

What is an egress window?

A window through which a person can escape the house in case of an emergency.

What does an egress window cost to install?

f the opening enlargement is not required – the basement egress window cost will be the same as the regular window. If there is opening enlargement involved the price will vary from $1020 for the re-framing on the above ground level floors to $2500 for the concrete cutting and excavating for the basement. Call (587) 707-9257 and talk to Calgary egress windows experts about your next project.

Can an awning window be egress?

An awning window can’t be egress, because it doesn’t provide sufficient clear area when open.

Does a bedroom need a window?

Yes it does, unless it has a door that leads directly to the outside.

Does an egress window add value?

Absolutely, for a room in a house to be considered a legal bedroom – it needs an egress window unless it has a door leading directly to the outside.

Can you add an egress window to a basement?

Yes you can. It will involve (aside from installing a window) excavating, cutting concrete, removing a large amount of debris, installing a new pressure treated frame in the concrete, adding gravel for drainage, installing a proper window well.

What type of window is used for egress?

The most common windows used for the egress are sliding windows and casement windows.