Why Are Egress Windows Important?
Basement egress windows can save your life in the event of a fire or emergency. Egress windows allow you another way to get out of your basement if the other route is blocked. It’s like adding another fail safe device to your basement living space. The problem with basements is when they are built they have small windows that are too small to fit through and to high to even get to. Egress windows are built in order to solve these two problems. One they are longer so the reach closer to the floor for easier access and two the window is bigger to allow room to fit through.
Local building codes usually will require an outside entry or an egress window or both. If you are planning to build living space in your basement you should consider the costs of these two elements. In New York the cost of both entrance and egress window can run up to $10,000.00 Depending how deep they have to dig or how wide you want to go.
Egress windows can be built using cement blocks, poured foundation or in a fibre-glass kit. All three options are just as good as the next. The fibre-glass kits come with a step-out built into the wall. The step-out allows the user access to get out of the tunnel the egress window is dug into. Poured concrete applications use wood forms in which fresh concrete is poured and sets. The wood is later removed exposing the cured concrete walls. Blocks are installed one by one to create a wall between the window and the soil out side.
The tops of the openings in an egress window is usually covered to keep rain, dirt and debris from collecting inside the egress opening. Over time debris can collect and get wet and start to rot or grow weeds and that makes a mess. The fibre-glass kits have clear tops and grating tops you can buy separately. They are a must for those wishing to protect their investment. When installing the other concrete based egress windows a top will need to be custom made. Usually cutom cut glass or clear fibre-glass fitted on top of the opening in some fashion will do the trick. Each situation is different but can be done.
If you need a basement egress window installed in Nassau or Suffolk county New York you can count on V.B. Contracting Inc. to do the job for you at a reasonable price. Go here to fill out the form and request a price quote.