Pros And Cons To An Egress Window

Egress windows are a must-have when constructing or remodeling your family home. Not because the law demands it but because they give your home a luxurious, beautiful look.

An egress window is similar to a regular window, but it’s large enough to act as an escape opening in case of an emergency. Egress windows are great for basements and kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms.

Below are some benefits and downsides of installing egress windows in your home:

Pros Of An Egress Window

• Lighting – Egress windows allow lots of natural light and make dark rooms brighter.  
• Safety – These windows provide easy and safe passage to the outside in emergencies.
• Value – Installing an egress window to your house automatically adds value.
• Style – Egress windows blend perfectly with anything: brick, wood, or stone.  
• Air circulation – Because of their large size, egress windows provide more air circulation, which reduces your exposure to airborne allergens, dust, debris, and mold.

Cons of an Egress Window 

• Local construction codes – Egress windows are a requirement for any newly constructed federally-funded project. Work with contractors aware of the local construction codes so that your window is installed as per the codes.
• Inconveniences – Installing an Egress window requires lots of digging and cutting through concrete or brick walls, which is quite inconvenient. In addition, the installation process takes time.
• Moisture – Moisture is a problem, especially on the basement window. Moisture damage happens if the window is not dug to the proper depth or your gutters drain toward your egress windows. Installing a basement drainage system and ensuring the gutters drain away from your property can solve your moisture issue.   

Egress Windows Add Value To Your Home

The added value is not quantifiable, and it depends on the real estate market, which fluctuates constantly. However, installing an egress window to your home does increase its market value and cost when selling the property.

Installing an egress window in your home will leave a mark on your bank balance. Purchasing the egress window alone will cost you about $700, and the price depends on the size and quality of the window. Keep in mind the cost is dependent on the market.

In addition, other expenses are incurred during the installation process. For example, you need a professional contractor to install the windows well.

Can You Add an Egress Window to Your Basement?

Yes! There are substantial benefits to adding an egress window to your basement. For example, the window creates space in your basement for an office, play area, or basement bedroom.

Egress windows fill the dark basement with natural light and clean air, making the basement a nice living area. In addition, the window works perfectly as an escape exit in emergencies.

Is There Any Maintenance To An Egress Window?

Common maintenance issues include:

• Clogged drain – The drains tend to clog during storms or heavy rain. Unclogging the drains allows proper drainage of the stagnant water.
• Debris – Different kinds of waste like soil and leaves can pile up close to the window. It would be best if you cleared the trash for the window to maintain its original quality.
• Cleaning- Eventually, the windows will accumulate dirt and require cleaning. That shouldn’t stress you, as there are professional window cleaners on call to help with window cleaning and pressure washing.
• Improper installation – If there are cracks and gaps left during window installation, you will have water leakage down into your foundation. Maintenance ensures the window sill and the window well seal tightly.

To prevent damage to your egress windows, ensure proper drainage to avoid water damage. Efficient drainage is achievable by installing gutters and having water drain away from the window. Test for poor drainage with a water hose and check for cracks in the foundation.

Are All Egress Windows all the Same?

Egress windows are not all the same. Your budget and the layout of your building determine the type of egress window you install. 

The different types of egress windows are:

• In-swing – This window design will swing into the room to open, not out. The window is blocked by the egress well, so it won’t open out, which is advantageous as it eliminates interference.
• Casement – These windows are somehow similar to regular egress windows. However, they have hinges that allow the window to swing like a door. In addition, they are smaller, hence taking up minimal wall space.  
• Sliding – Sliding egress windows, also known as horizontal windows, are ideal for rooms that require a significant amount of natural light. These windows open like standard sliding doors.
• Single-hung – These are similar to the sliding windows, only that the bottom window panel slides upwards. Single-hung windows are typically large and are considered classy. However, they are not the ideal choice for most basements.

At Squeegee Squad, we use a five-step window cleaning process that leaves your windows looking sparkling clean. We take care of both the interior and the exterior. We use a mild, non-toxic solution that is safe for the environment. We prioritize safety through the proper use of ladders, and the occasional use of water-fed poles using streak-free pure water. All Squeegee Squad locations perform residential cleanings year-round!

Contact your local Squeegee Squad location today for more information about our window cleaning services!