subject: Residential Codes for Window Egress [print this page] In this short article we are going to talk about the importance of egress requirements and how they will apply to your impact window and replacement job.
Egress requirements are a fancy word for escape routes. You need to be able to escape from a bedroom quickly should fire break out. Your escape route can not be into another room. It has to be an exit to the outdoors. Sometimes you have a door, but most always it will be a window.
According to Florida code, every bedroom has to have a window or door opening to the outside of the home. As we said, in most cases this exit will
be a window.
This window has to have a net opening of at least 24 inches high, 20 inches wide AND measure at least 5 square feet net open area on the first floor and 5.7 square feet on other floors. Also, the window sill height can not be over 44 inches from the floor.
There are several ways you can meet these requirements. One is to use a horizontal sliding window instead of a single hung, or a casement window. Some other ways are to use a window specifically made with a hinge on the window frame that you can pop open should the need arise. Before you order your windows make sure you can meet these requirements.
Also, the window bars that are so popular are a complete no-no. Dont even think about putting them on a bedroom window. They make entry and exit impossible. For more information on Impact window and door installation and safety guidelines, go to
http://www.palmbeachhurricaneimpactwindows.com or contact us directly at 561-741-1338. We are located in the Palm Beach County Florida.
