1. Size the Window Code minimum is a window 20 inches wide and…
1. Size the Window Code minimum is a window 20 inches wide and 24 inches high with a total clear area of 5.7 square feet—which actually translates to a 20-inches-wide-by-41-inches-high or a 35-inches-wide-by-24-inches-high unit. Awning hung or sliders are best. Also, the windowsill must be 44 inches or less from the basement floor.
Harry Whitver
2. Size the Well  By code, the total clear area of the well mus…
2. Size the Well  By code, the total clear area of the well must be at least 9 square feet with a 3-foot or more area between the window and the far edge of the well opening. Enclose the well with a shell. A hinged cover must be able to be opened or removed from either side without special tools.
Harry Whitver
3. Ladder Window wells more than 44 inches deep need a permane…
3. Ladder Window wells more than 44 inches deep need a permanently attached ladder or steps, which can project into the well no more than 6 inches. Most ladders are welded to or molded into the shell enclosure.
Harry Whitver
4. Design for Drainage Excavate under each window well locatio…
4. Design for Drainage Excavate under each window well location along the foundation wall, and install a perforated piece to the floor of the well connected to the perimeter drain pipe. Backfill with washed gravel.
Egress is one of those provisions that truly fits the “health and safety” edict of the residential building code, requiring that a house provide multiple and ample-sized access to the outdoors from bedrooms and common rooms in case of an emergency, namely a fire. That’s simple enough at grade, but what about for a basement—especially one that barely peeks at the outside? In those cases, you’ve got to provide a well to each code-compliant window that is large enough to enable safe egress from (or entry to) the basement rooms that require it.
Since basements are fairly common, so are the solutions. In fact, there’s a whole industry of ready-made window well kits designed to meet code and reduce labor costs.
Still, it’s important to know the provisions in the IRC and design the home and specifically the basement to accommodate required wells and provide the proper level of safety to your home buyers.
