How Many Egress Windows Are Required in a Basement in Ontario?

According to the official National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), every floor in your home that has a bedroom must have at least one emergency egress window. The only exception is if the space has a door with exterior access, which would also need to meet specific criteria before it can be certified as a safe emergency exit.

When planning to finish or renovate your basement in Ontario, it’s not just about choosing the right décor or the functionality of the space—safety plays a crucial role too. One of the key safety considerations involves the installation of egress windows. These aren’t just any windows; they are vital for your safety, ensuring that every room in your basement has a quick escape route in case of emergencies.

Understanding the specific egress basement window requirements in Ontario can be tricky, but it’s essential for compliance with local building codes and for ensuring the safety of your family. In this article, we’ll discuss the significance of egress windows in basement bedrooms and the other requirements you must meet to comply with local regulations.

Basement Egress Window Requirements

If you’re using your basement as a bedroom or separate living space, it should have egress windows that pass Ontario’s egress window requirements. Here are the key points every homeowner should know:

• It must be openable from the inside without needing tools.
• It must be able to maintain its opening without additional support.
• It must provide an individual with enough unobstructed space, with a minimum area of 0.35m² (3.77 sq.ft.).
• No dimension can be less than 380 mm.
• If the window opens into a window well, 550 mm of space must be provided in front of the window as clearance space.
• If your window has a sash that swings towards a window well, you must ensure it doesn’t restrict an individual’s exit.
• If you have a cover for your window well, you must ensure it can be opened from the inside without using tools.
• The opening needs to be large enough for people to crawl through.
• It needs to provide adequate ventilation all year round.

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Egress Window Sizes

To be certified as an egress window, your basement bedroom window must meet these size requirements:

• A minimum dimension of 5.7 sq.ft., 20” wide x 24” high
• Its opening must not be more than 44“ from the floor level

Following the proper sizes set by Ontario’s building codes will ensure the safety of the residents in your home during an emergency. That said, the specifics of these building codes may vary depending on the territory or province you live in. So, ensure you do your research or talk to your local municipality about specific egress basement window requirements.

Why Are Egress Basement Windows Important

Basement egress windows are required by the government for a reason.

They ensure you and your family’s safe evacuation from your basement in an emergency situation, like during a natural disaster like a fire or flooding. Your basement bedroom window should be an accessible route to exit your home safely. It also provides an entry point for emergency services, such as paramedics and firefighters, to swiftly enter your home.

Moreover, these windows have an unobstructed opening that increases natural light and ventilation in your basement. This deodorizes that musty damp basement smell and prevents mould and mildew growth.

Read more: Why Your Garage Needs Windows

Types of Egress Windows Suitable for Your Basement

Once you’re ready to renovate your basement, it’s time to choose the best windows for your basement bedroom!

Image source: Canva

Casement Windows

Casement windows are attached to the frame by one or more hinges at their sides, allowing them to open completely. These tall windows can open outward, which makes them ideal as an emergency exit. There’s no need to duck or squeeze yourself into a narrow opening because of their tall height and wide width.

They are ideal for meeting current egress window requirements and size guidelines because they’re easy to operate, are great at increasing ventilation in your basement and let in a lot of light when paired with a window well.

The good news is that most standard casement windows are already code-compliant!

Single and Double-Hung Windows

These windows slide vertically. Both single- and double-hung windows help increase ventilation in your basement, allowing air to circulate better inside.

Single-hung windows enable the bottom pane of the glass to slide up, creating an opening in this area of the window frame. On the other hand, double-hung windows allow both the top and bottom glass panes to move, allowing you to create an opening at either the top or bottom of the window frame. It’s where you’d escape to in the event of an emergency.

Image source: Canva

Slider Windows

Airtight single or double slider windows make for great egress basement windows since they allow easy exit—as one panel slides to one side to create an exit. However, unlike the casement windows, only one-half of the entire window space can be used as an exit.

It’s important to work with your local window manufacturer to ensure this window type meets the minimum size requirements for egress.

Awning Windows

Awning windows have a hinge at the top, allowing them to swing outwards from the bottom. These windows can be opened fully and without support, making them Ontario building code-compliant as long as they’re sized appropriately.

Get Custom Egress Window Designs Made in Ontario

In Ontario, compliance with the national building code is paramount to ensure your home is designed for your family’s safety. This is why it’s crucial to work with a window and door manufacturer that understands the complexities of egress windows Ontario requirements.

Burano Doors is your partner in custom egress windows. Whether you’re renovating your basement or building a new home, homeowners can expect stylish, energy-efficient, and professionally installed windows that are building code-compliant. At Burano Doors, you also receive a lifetime warranty to cover costs for replacement parts thus ensuring your peace of mind.

For a free home estimate or to learn more about egress window requirements in Ontario, contact us today!