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Planning to finish or renovate your basement in Ontario? Before picking out paint colours or planning your furniture layout, ensure your safety with properly sized egress windows. The Ontario Building Code requires these windows to serve as quick escape routes in case of emergencies. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about egress window requirements in Ontario, including:
- what a basement egress window is
- why they’re important
- egress window size and dimension requirements
- types of egress windows in Ontario
- where to get custom egress windows professionally installed
Let’s get started!
What Is an Egress Window?
An egress window is a window designed to provide a quick escape route during emergencies. They’re commonly installed in basements, but building codes require them in every living area of the house, whether upstairs or downstairs.
Because they’re meant for emergency escapes, egress window size requirements are different from standard windows. Basement egress window installations typically include window wells—cleared areas outside that give you enough space to climb out safely.
How Many Egress Windows Are Required in a Basement?
According to the 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.
Why Are Egress Windows Important?
Ontario Building Code egress window basement requirements exist for several reasons:
- They ensure safe evacuation from your basement in an emergency (e.g. fire, flood, etc.).
- They allow firefighters and emergency responders to enter swiftly if needed.
- They let natural light into your basement.
- They improve ventilation in below-ground spaces, helping deodorize the musty damp basement smell and preventing mould and mildew growth.
Read more: Why Your Garage Needs Windows
Image source: Canva
Requirements for Egress Window Size in Ontario Basements
If you use your basement as a bedroom or separate living space, your egress windows should pass the Ontario Building Code’s size requirements. Here are the key points on the egress window size Ontario homeowners should know:
| Egress Window Size (Ontario) Req. | Specification |
| Opening size | Minimum 0.35m² (3.77 sq.ft.) |
| Minimum dimension (height/width) | Minimum 380 mm (15”) |
| Distance from the floor | No more than 1,100 mm (44”) |
| Window well space (if the window opens into a well) | 550 mm (22”) |
Note: The Ontario Building Code says no dimension must be smaller than 380 mm, but even a window with both sides measuring 380 mm (15″ x 15″) would only give you 0.144m²—less than half the required 0.35m² area. You’ll need at least one dimension to be larger.
Additional Requirements
Aside from egress window size requirements, egress windows must:
- be easily openable from the inside without tools, special knowledge or unscrewing installed security bars
- maintain its opening without additional support (no props or temporary supports)
- provide an individual with an unobstructed clear opening large enough for people to crawl through
- provide adequate ventilation year-round
Window Well Requirements
If your egress window is installed below ground level, you need a window well that:
- provides a minimum clearance large enough to allow you to escape (550 mm)
- distance is measured from the fully open window (out-swinging windows) or the wall (in-swinging windows)
- has proper drainage
- has a cover that’s easy to open from the inside without tools (if you choose to install one)
Note: These building codes may vary depending on the territory or province you live in. So, do your research, talk to your local authority, or speak to reliable window and door providers about egress basement window requirements before you start your project.
Image source: Canva
Types of Egress Windows Suitable for Your Basement
Once you’re ready to renovate your basement, it’s time to choose the best types of basement bedroom egress windows!
Casement Windows
Our most popular choice for egress windows, casement windows are hinged at the side and open outward. They’re ideal as an emergency exit because they:
- provide a wide, unobstructed opening
- are easy to open and operate
- maximize natural light and ventilation when paired with a window well
- comply with current egress window size requirements and guidelines (most standard sizes)
Image source: Canva
Slider Windows
Airtight single or double slider windows make for great egress basement windows since one panel slides to one side to create an easy exit. However, since only half the window opens, you’ll need a larger overall window size to meet egress requirements.
The minimum egress window size requirements apply only to the openable portion of the window, not the total window size. If you want to replace your current basement windows with a slider, work with your local window manufacturer to ensure your installation complies with local building codes.
Single and Double-Hung Windows
Both single and double-hung windows slide vertically. The difference lies in how many panels move. As the names suggest:
- Single-hung: only the bottom panel moves up
- Double-hung: both top and bottom panels can move up and down
These classic windows provide adequate ventilation and are easy to maintain, but like slider windows, only the openable area counts toward egress size requirements. You’ll need to ensure the openable portion meets egress windows Ontario requirements.
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, so they can be Ontario building code-compliant as long as they’re sized appropriately.
Get Custom Egress Window Designs Made in Ontario
Complying with the National Building Code’s egress window size requirements helps ensure your home is safe and secure. That’s why when renovating your home, it’s best to work with a reliable window and door manufacturer that understands and follows basement egress window requirements.
Burano Doors is one of Ontario homeowners’ most trusted windows and doors providers. We offer:
- High-quality, 100% Canadian-made residential windows and doors
- Professional installation by certified technicians
- Factory-direct pricing without compromising quality
- Lifetime warranty with no-cost replacement parts
- Full compliance with Ontario building codes
Ready to create the basement of your dreams—safely and stylishly? Contact us today to get a free home estimate or speak to our experts about egress window size requirements in Ontario!
Egress Window FAQs
In Ontario, at least one egress window is required for every floor with a bedroom. If your basement has a bedroom, you need at least one egress window unless you have a door leading directly outside the house.
The legal basement window size in Ontario is 0.35m² (3.77 sq.ft.) or bigger.
The minimum egress window size in Ontario is 380 mm (14.96”) for width or height, but that doesn’t mean you can have a window that’s exactly 380 mm x 380 mm. It won’t be large enough—you’ll need at least one dimension to be larger to meet the minimum area requirement (0.35m²).
No, it’s not legal to have a bedroom without a window in most jurisdictions in Canada. The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) requires every sleeping area to have at least one window to be used as an emergency exit unless the room has a door that leads directly outside. This applies to every floor of your home, including basements.
No, only bedrooms require egress windows. Bathrooms, storage rooms, and recreation rooms don’t need them.
The best type of window depends on your specific needs and space, but casement windows are often preferred because they provide the largest opening. Click here to learn more about your options!
