What Are Egress Windows?

An egress window is a window that’s required in specific locations in a building that can be used as an exit point in the event of an emergency that prevents the use of a doorway. To qualify as an egress window, a window must meet certain size and function requirements.

Where Are Egress Windows Required?

Egress windows are required in every bedroom, on any floor of the home, including basements. Code requirements can vary considerably depending on where you live, but typically, homes that pre-date code requirements do not have to have egress windows installed — even if windows are being replaced.

What Are the Size Requirements for Egress Windows?

Egress windows must meet four International Residential Code (IRC) criteria:

The window must have a minimum opening width of 20 inches.
The window must have a minimum opening height of 24 inches.
The window must have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet.
The maximum sill height must be no more than 44 inches above the floor.

The minimum net clear opening refers to the free and clear space that exists when the window has been opened. This is sometimes confused with the glass panel size, but it’s not — it’s the size of the actual opening a person must crawl through.

Egress Window Manufacturers

Our Pick for Egress Windows: Weather Shield

At Quality Window & Door, we like Weather Shield windows for egress windows. Weather Shield offers a variety of styles that meet or exceed the requirements for egress windows, delivering the required safety and versatility with exceptional style and energy efficiency.

If you’re looking for a code-compliant egress window with exceptional performance and value, Weather Shield is a great choice. They have dozens of design options and thousands of color and style combinations to give your home unbeatable aesthetics, efficiency, and safety.

Egress Window Installation in MD, VA & DC

If you’re looking for egress windows in the Washington, DC, metro area and want a window replacement estimate, contact the replacement window professionals at Quality Window & Door today or visit one of our showrooms in Maryland or northern Virginia.

Contact us online or call 1-800-370-8751 to request a free in-home replacement window consultation today.

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Founded by Bob Neidig in 1989

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Excellent rating
Based on 111 reviews

I have been working with this company for many years, trusting that if problems were to arise with a product, Quality Window would find a happy outcome for the customer. This has been the case!! Mike Hudson is a thorough and profesional sales representative, always willing to patiently take a call and mitigate doubts and concerns. John Poulos offers amazing customer service. Always prompt and communicative. The liaison between company and client could not be in better hands!! Thank you.

scarlet narciso

Great company that backs their product. We built a new house and Quality Window & Doors was the subcontractor for our Weathershield windows and doors. Wayne and Noe came out to service a broken handle on our 16' Weathershield sliding door. We were technically beyond the warranty period but they repaired the handle for free. They also took the time to go around and adjust our other exterior doors to make sure they were well aligned now that the house had settled a bit. Wayne was a real expert and got all the doors adjusted and working perfectly!

Tucker Jones

Excellent products and service. The install went well too! Would definitely order from them again.

John Fu

Great service. I highly recommend Quality Window and Door for information, purchasing and service. I have used this firm for a number of years both as an architect and as a client. I've always been very satisfied with their products and service.

McCain McMurray

We are thrilled with our new windows and door! Excellent job from estimate to completion! The install team was fantastic and I loved that the lead installer was also present during the initial measurement phase. It took a few months for the windows to arrive so it was really nice to see a familiar face for the install and he knew exactly what to do! Highly recommend!!

Brenda

Quality Door and Window did a fantastic job at a reasonable price.in installing 23 replacement windows, including the combination of two windows into one larger picture window. Highly recommended.

Daniel Leach

QWD is a first rate company. The staff from product selection, estimate, showroom, measurement and installation were professional and highly competent. The installation crew paid attention to detail and went through great lengths to ensure our satisfaction. I love the new windows and I recommend them without reservation.

Sal Golub

Have relied on QW&D for all my window and door needs for over 25 years. I know I can count on their expertise and responsiveness.

skip shipman

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