Installing Basement Egress Windows in 5 Steps

You will want to install basement egress windows in case of an emergency so people can escape out of the window. You will need to contact your local building codes to know the correct dimension for building in your basement. Building the egress window will not only add safety, but will also raise the value of your home and bring air flow and light into the basement. This project will require excavation and cutting heavy material of concrete around the area you will be working on.

Step 1. Location

Make a choice on which part of the wall you think will have the best available light and that would blend in well with the rest of the exterior of your home. Make sure there are no objects like wires, pipes and other utilities that could be blocking the way, both in the interior or exterior of where the window is going to be placed. If you want to have direct sunlight as an option it is best to have the window facing east or south.

Step 2. Buying an Egress Window

When buying your egress window at your local retail store they will let you know the design, size and price that will fit into your installation. The code for fire safety is to have at least 5.7 square feet of opening to 20 inches wide and 24 inches high.

Step 3. Preparation Work

Use the masking tape, plan out where the window is going to be placed on the interior and exterior of the wall, allowing around 2 to 3 inches of space for the header and wood frame that will be placed around the sides.

Next, use a mechanical excavator like a hammer drill, or hire a professional because it takes a lot of brute strength and experience to handle. Then use the circular saw to cut along the masking tape line on the interior opening. Move to the exterior and cut along the masking tape on that side as well. If you are not sure if the tape is aligned up correctly you can use a hammer drill to put two small holes on the bottom corner of where your window is going to be. Dig out and use any other equipment to match the grade of the bottom of the window and allow around 8 inches of clearance.

Step 4. Placing the Lumber

With the opening to the window complete begin to build a frame out of the treated lumber according to the instructions that came with the egress window. Screw in the masonry screws into the foundation and check for plumb and level. If your window is larger than 46 inches you will need to attach a header beam to add more support and stability.

Step 5. Placing in the Window

Now that the framing is done you can shimmy the window into place and start nailing the window into the flange and wooden frame. Double check with a level to make sure everything is in place for last minute adjustments, and check to see if the window can open and close.  Once everything is leveled you can use the insulation foam to cover the crevices. Use fiberglass insulation in the larger areas between the frame and foundation, and the frame and egress window. Finish the trim on the inside and outside of the window. Then you have completed your installation of an egress window.