The purpose of the egress window code is to guarantee that a person can leave a building by a window in an emergency. Most codes also stipulate that windows must be big enough for a firefighter to enter while wearing a pack. The 2015 International Residential Code’s requirements provide consistent minimum standards for basement egress window widths (IRC). Key considerations for adhering to building code include:
The transparent opening must be at least 20 inches wide.”
A clear entrance must be at least 24 inches high.”
A clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet in size.
Egress windows’ sills can only be 44 inches above the finished floor.