Basements are no longer just dark, dank storage spaces; they’re now multi-functional living spaces, from home offices, to guest suites, to playrooms and even rental units. When homeowners renovate or upgrade their basement space, their primary concerns are safety and comfort. Adding an egress window is one way to accomplish both goals at once. Although the majority of homeowners focus solely on egress windows for building code compliance, the benefits of egress windows go beyond compliance with building codes. Homeowners who are adding egress windows for the additional benefit of protecting their property from water intrusion, adding natural light, and providing an emergency escape.
Enhanced Safety and Code Compliance
A basement egress window is primarily for safety. In the event of fire or other emergencies, people must be able to exit the basement fast and easily. However, typical basement windows often do not allow you to climb through them, which poses a significant threat to safety.
The Spruce quotes that a basement must have a minimum opening of 24” in height and 20″ in width to have an adult get out safely. Satisfying the minimum dimensional requirements is not about convenience only; it’s about providing a legitimate escape route in the case of an emergency.
In addition to safety, when you install an egress window, you are enabling your finished basement to be legally habitable. Many locations have building codes that require an egress-sized window in order for a finished basement to be considered a bedroom, which is important when selling your home.
Adding an egress window increases the property value and creates peace of mind. When buyers see basement living spaces with egress windows, they know that they satisfy safety requirements and allow for emergency exits.
Protection Against Water Intrusion
Moisture exposure in the basement is worse than in any other area of the house because it is below grade (below the surface of the ground). Consequently, every basement will suffer from moisture problems at some point during its lifetime. Houses with properly constructed basement foundations or those built as per building codes will eventually show signs of weakness and give way to water intrusion. Damage caused by water intrusion can include mold/mildew, bulging drywall, and costly structural repairs.
Research conducted by Basement Defender indicates that approximately 98 percent of all basements nationwide will sustain some form of water damage at some point over their life span. In other words, nearly every homeowner with a basement will experience some type of moisture issue.
When built and installed properly, egress (exit) windows should have a drainage system designed to drain excess water away from the foundation via the use of window wells constructed of gravel or stone, along with drain pipes. Collectively, those components will help divert rainwater away from the foundation and prevent it from puddling or accumulating against the walls of the basement. Properly constructed modern window well covers will also prevent rainwater and debris from building up in the window wells or accumulated.
No combination of upgrades will eliminate all chances of having a moisture problem; however, having an egress window combined with an appropriate type of drainage and sealing system dramatically reduces the chances of having water collect around your home’s foundation.
Addressing Small Cracks Before They Become Big Problems
Structural damage can cause water to seep into basements, sometimes without notice. This often shows up after a large rainstorm, when the previously invisible crack in your foundation begins to show. Once water seeps in, the problem can go from dampness to actual flooding in a hurry.
Bob Vila reported that a small crack in a basement wall can result in 1-2 inches of water during a single rainy season. You may think you’re not very concerned about that much water, but it is plenty to destroy flooring and/or insulation and your personal belongings.
To install an egress window, the contractors must cut into the foundation wall. As they are doing this, the contractors can evaluate the surrounding structure and discover cracks and/or potential weaknesses that need to be repaired. Therefore, by adding an egress window, it allows you to reinforce and waterproof that area before it becomes a problem.
Today’s egress window systems are created with a highly effective seal to prevent leaks. Addition of an egress window combined with proper grading and gutter maintenance, will help keep the pressure water can exert on foundation walls at a minimum.
Homeowners that add egress windows will benefit from the additional safety and light it will provide to that space. Furthermore, it can increase the overall value of the home, making it a great investment in comfort and an attractive future home.