I am interested in installing egress windows and would like to know the steps to do them. I live in a 97 year old rock house with concrete walls (I think put in later in the 60's). Any help would be apprectiated. My hubby is well versed in construction so I feel the job would be feesible. Am I crazy?

 

No not at all I see that they have some set ups for this now made out of fiberglass. What I would do first is check with code there where you are and see what there want for this or call for .


ED

 

barbinotis,

What Ed recommends is highly advisable as this usually does require a Building Permit.

Just to give you an idea, here are some issues to kinow.

As for size requirements, a window with a CLEAR opening of 5.7 sq. ft. Some codes count the glass area, while others measure the area with the window open. In any case, a vertical casement window with 6 sq. ft. of access is a good choice for a retrofit installation. The height of the window installation is also important. The bottom of the window opening should be no more than 44 in. off the floor. Outside, an oversize window well is required. It will need to be at least 36 in. wide and extend 36 in. out from the window. The window well height is also limited to 44 in., as measured from the well floor. If a deep basement forces a deeper window well, most codes will allow a concrete block on the floor of the well to serve as a step, as long as it doesn't interfere with the window's opening.

Additional links which display images for easy reference are,

How-To

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...ow/index.phtml

http://www.monarchmanufacturing.com/...ons/Egress.asp

http://www.unexco.com/gallery/window.html

Window Well System

http://www.mar-flex.com/pages/window%20well.htm

Hope this helps!