What are Egress Windows?

Everyone wants to feel safe at home. One crucial aspect that's often overlooked when creating a safe environment is the installation of egress windows. Let’s explore what egress windows are, why they're essential, and how Centra Windows can help ensure your home is equipped with the best in safety as well as style.

What are Egress Windows?

Egress windows are specially designed to serve as emergency exits from your home. These windows are typically installed in basements or bedrooms and are large enough to provide a quick and easy escape route during emergencies. In addition to facilitating egress, these windows also allow natural light into lower levels of the house.

Safety First: The Importance of Egress Windows

1. Emergency Exit:

One of the primary purposes of egress windows is to provide a safe exit in case of emergencies (such as fires). These windows are designed to meet specific size and accessibility requirements to ensure a quick and unobstructed exit. The National Building Code of Canada states that an egress window shall provide an unobstructed opening with a minimum area of 3.77 ft2 (0.35 m2). In addition, there should be no dimension less than 15“(380mm).

2. Legal Compliance:

Egress windows are a requirement of many local building codes in certain areas of a dwelling. Both BC and Alberta, for example, require each unsprinklered bedroom to have one outside window or door to be used as an emergency exit.

3. Increased Home Value:

Beyond safety and compliance, egress windows can also add value to your home. Safety is a major consideration for many, meaning potential buyers with basic safety knowledge will consider these windows a positive feature and make your property more attractive.

Why Choose Centra Windows for Your Egress Window Needs?

1. Local Expertise:

Centra Windows has been serving the BC community for forty years, and the Alberta community for well over fifty. Our team understands the unique needs and challenges of local building codes, and can ensure your egress windows are not only safe but also perfectly suited to your local climate.

2. Quality Craftsmanship:

We take great pride in delivering high-quality products and exceptional craftsmanship. Our egress windows are designed to meet or exceed industry standards, providing you with peace of mind when it comes to safety in your home.

3. Customization Options:

Centra Windows offers a range of customization options, allowing you to choose egress windows that complement your home's architecture and style. Our team will work closely with you to ensure that the windows not only meet safety requirements but also enhance the aesthetics of your living space. Centra is also able to install egress hinges on casement windows which can help gain an additional 2" on the opening.

Elevate Safety and Style with Centra Windows

Your local Window Experts are here to help you choose the right products for your project. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a safer home environment.

We Are Your Certified Window Geeks!

We love to talk windows! We’re here to help, so if you have a question about your window project all you have to do is reach out. Contact us early in the process so that our experts can make sure everything is correct from the get-go.

For more information on this topic (and many more!) contact our local Employee Owners at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Join the club and become a Window Geek yourself by signing up for our biweekly newsletter, which provides news, advice, and tips about the window industry and upcoming events, and test your window knowledge by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter.