Why You Need An Egress Window for Your St. Louis Property

As a homeowner in St. Louis County, installing an egress window can significantly enhance your home’s safety and livability. Not to mention, it might be a requirement for your property. Egress windows serve as essential escape routes during emergencies, such as fires or severe weather. Plus, local building codes mandate that any finished basement with sleeping quarters must have an egress window. Beyond safety, these windows allow natural light to brighten your space, making it more inviting and functional. Investing in an egress window not only meets legal requirements but also contributes to the overall value and comfort of your home.

What Is An Egress Window?

An egress window is a specially designed window that serves as an emergency exit, allowing occupants to safely escape in case of a fire or other emergencies. Its primary purpose is to provide a safe means of exit, particularly from basements or bedrooms where traditional exits may not be accessible. 

Egress windows must meet specific size requirements set by local building codes, which typically include a minimum clear opening of 5.7 square feet, with dimensions of at least 24 inches in height and 20 inches in width.

What sets egress windows apart from regular windows is their functionality and compliance with safety regulations. They must be operable without the use of tools and should allow enough space for emergency responders to enter if needed. 

Additionally, egress windows enhance the livability of a space by allowing natural light and ventilation. Egress windows are an important feature for any home, especially those with finished basements or converted living areas.

How Moisture Can Impact Your Foundation

Moisture can have a significant impact on your home’s foundation, especially in areas like St. Louis with varying weather conditions. When water accumulates around your foundation, it can lead to hydrostatic pressure, causing cracks, leaks, and even structural damage over time. 

This moisture can seep into your basement. It can also create a damp environment that promotes mold growth that compromises air quality indoors…as well as your family’s health.

Egress windows play a crucial role in preventing moisture-related foundation issues. When properly installed, egress windows provide an additional barrier against water infiltration. 

Professional installation ensures that egress windows are tightly sealed to prevent water ingress. A professional touch is especially important given St. Louis’s climate, where rain and humidity frequently leave basements prone to dampness. 

Furthermore, egress window installations typically include a well-designed drainage system around the window well. This system helps divert water away from the foundation, reducing the risk of water pooling and subsequent damage. This is crucial for all below grade egress window installation projects.

By allowing for better ventilation, egress windows also help regulate humidity levels in basements, further protecting against moisture-related problems!

Benefits of Egress Window Installation for St. Louis County Market Value

Installing egress windows not only enhance safety, but they also improve the overall quality and value of your home. In St. Louis County’s competitive real estate market, homes with legal, safe, and comfortable basement living spaces are highly sought after. 

Egress windows transform your basement into a fully functional living area, potentially adding an extra bedroom or office space that can be included in your home’s official square footage.

Installing egress windows also brings much-needed natural light into basement spaces, making them feel more open and inviting. The larger size of egress windows also allows for better air circulation, improving the overall air quality in your lower level and reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth, which is especially important given our region’s humid climate.

How to Make An Egress Window Fit Your Home’s Aesthetic

Egress windows present a fantastic opportunity to blend functionality with style in your St. Louis home. By selecting a window design that complements your home’s architecture, you can transform this essential feature into a striking focal point. 

Whether you choose classic casement windows or sleek sliding designs, the right option can seamlessly integrate with your existing decor, adding charm and value to your space.

Don’t forget to consider the surrounding window well as an extension of your landscaping. Incorporating decorative elements like vibrant flowers, elegant stones, or ambient lighting can create an inviting atmosphere that enhances your home’s curb appeal. 

How to Get An Egress Window Added to Your Property In St. Louis

To add an egress window to your property, start by contacting our team of foundation specialists at Stratum Structural Systems. We will schedule a comprehensive home inspection to assess your space and discuss your specific needs. 

Our egress window experts will guide you through the entire process, ensuring compliance with local building codes and obtaining any necessary permits. After providing you with a detailed quote, we will handle the installation from start to finish, including precise foundation cutting and proper drainage setup and any trim work. With our professional team by your side, you can enhance your home’s safety and value with a well-installed egress window. Contact us today!