Egress Windows in Ottawa 
Expert Installation & Replacement

When should you install egress windows?

One common reason to install an egress window is if you’re turning your basement into a separate living area, like a secondary suite. An egress window is typically needed for these spaces unless there’s a door in your basement that opens directly outside.

Many homeowners also add an egress window for safety reasons, especially if a family member lives in the basement. This type of window offers a reliable escape route in case of emergencies, such as a fire.

It’s also worth noting that not every bedroom requires an egress window. According to the Ontario building code, as long as there’s an egress window on the same floor, it meets the regulations.

What are the requirements for egress windows?

The Ontario Building Code sets out requirements for the size, type, and operation of an egress window.

• The window must open from the inside without needing keys, tools, or any special skills.
• It should have a clear opening of at least 3.8 square feet, which is roughly the size of a 30” x 30” opening in a wall. This requirement is about the actual opening size, not just the glass or window area. The window should also stay open on its own without needing extra support.
• The smallest side of the window must be at least 15 inches.
• For basement windows, a window well is often necessary. This well must extend at least 22 inches from the window to allow room to exit to the outside.

It is also recommended that the window is not higher than 40 inches above the ground. This can be somewhat challenging in a basement. In such cases, some elevation device or piece of furniture can be used to meet this recommendation as shown below:

Egress Window vs. Escape Window

When you’re turning your basement into a living space, like a secondary suite, you might hear your architect or engineer mention that you need an “escape window.” This type of window is special and differs from standard windows in several ways:

• It must have a part that opens which is at least 4.1 square feet (roughly the size of a 31 x 31 inch opening).
• No part of the window can be smaller than 18 inches.
• The bottom of the window frame can’t be more than 35 inches above the floor, but you can use steps or fixed furniture to meet this requirement.
• The area outside the window, known as the window well, must stick out at least 39 inches from the window.

Egress Window Types

Single or Double Slider Egress Window

Slider windows can work as egress windows, but only if the part that opens is big enough to meet the requirement of 3.8 square feet for a clear opening. Some windows are designed to let the pane swing out too, but these often don’t pass inspections. Many basements already have slider windows, so replacing them with a single-pane window that opens wide enough can help you meet the egress requirements.

Casement Egress Window

Casement windows are a favourite option for egress windows. These windows open outwards with a crank, making them ideal when there’s something inside that prevents the window from opening inward. Our casement windows have special hinges that let them open completely into a 22-inch window well, providing the necessary space to meet egress window requirements.

Awning Egress Window

An awning window can work as an egress window if there’s nothing above it to block it from opening fully upwards. The window must also stay open on its own, without needing any extra support to hold it up. Since awning windows have to hold up the weight of the window pane, there are limits on how large they can be.

Single or Double-Hung Egress Window

Single or double-hung windows can be used as egress windows, although they’re not the most common choice. This is because only the part of the window that opens counts towards the “clear opening” requirement needed for an escape route. Therefore, a single-pane window that opens fully is often a better option. Additionally, the part of the hung window that opens must stay open on its own, without any extra support, to allow someone to escape easily and meet safety regulations.

Tilt & Turn Egress Window

Tilt and turn windows are a popular type of window that swings open into the interior of the house. They are often chosen for egress windows because they can open completely, creating a large clear opening that meets safety requirements. These windows also have a feature that allows them to tilt open from the top, which helps air circulate in the room.

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