Did you know that egress windows provide a safe exit and rescue entry option from a building in emergencies like house fires? The word egress means to exit, leave, or climb out of, so it is a great title for a window with the same purpose. These windows are required for basements, in bedrooms, and in second-floor or high-rise living spaces. They can be as aesthetically pleasing as they are safe and secure.
Egress windows are considered the epitome of safety because they allow for a quick exit (and rescue entry) in most dire situations, such as a fire or flood. However, these windows also add value to your home. While initially expensive to install, the added protection minimizes your potential financial loss and is critical for safety. Additionally, many Florida homeowners can sell their houses for more if they have windows that meet the requirements. Hence, their financial loss is recovered, and then some.
Read on to discover what you need to know about egress windows for your Florida home. It may be easier than you think to find a window that suits your safety needs and strikes your fancy as a homeowner.
Egress Requirements in Florida
Legally, egress windows for Florida homes have to be big enough for a large adult male to fit through easily. The Florida Building Code cites that such a window on the first floor has to have a minimum opening of 5 square feet. And a window for this purpose on the second or higher level has to have a minimum opening of 5.7 square feet.
Below we have quoted the requirements for emergency exits directly from the Florida Building Code’s Commission Education POC document:
Basements and each sleeping room need to have at least one operable emergency escape and
rescue opening with a minimum clear opening of 5.7 square feet, which opens directly into a
public street, public alley, yard, or court. (FBC-Residential R310.1 Emergency escape and
rescue required and R310.1.1 Minimum opening area.)Emergency escape openings can have a minimum net clear opening height of 24 inches or a
minimum width of 20 inches (FBC-Residential R310.1.2 Minimum opening height and R310.1.3 Minimum opening width.), and must have sill height within 44 inches of the floor. (FBCResidential R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required.)Minimum opening width.), and must have sill height within 44 inches of the floor. (FBCResidential R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required.)
Florida Building Code’s Commission Education POC document
Emergency escape openings must be operable from the inside of the room without the use of
keys or tools or special knowledge. (FBC-Residential R310.1.4 Operational constraints.) This
gives occupants in each sleeping area a method of escape in case of a fire.
The Big Five Egress Window Types for Your Florida Home
There are five suitable types of windows for your Florida home, each with benefits and aesthetics.
- Sliding windows don’t have hinges, and you can open them on one side or another with your hand.
- Single-hung windows are traditional and classic, vertically sliding without hinges from the bottom up. These can be used but have to meet the size requirements.
- Double-hung windows are similar to single-hung windows in mechanics but are typically twice the size. These can be used but have to meet the size requirements.
- Out-swinging casement windows have frames that push outward to open, allowing the sash to swing almost completely open. They are hung on side hinges for easy access.
- In-swinging casement windows are the same as out-swinging, but they swing inwards on side hinges instead of outwards.
There’s a place for each of these five windows in your home. While egress sliding windows are the most popular and familiar, the other three types are most often utilized in offices, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas.
Remember that egress windows of all kinds were designed to be additional escape routes (and entry points) in case of emergencies. This is why windows may have to be larger than expected, but a local technician can help you gauge the width and height of a proposed window for whatever room you have in mind.
The Benefits of an Egress Sliding Windows
Egress sliding windows, also referred to as horizontal roller windows are the most popular type because they can easily slide from one side to another to create a large opening. This makes it convenient for a child or anyone to open them in an emergency. And it makes them suitable for even larger adults to exit or enter from.
Additional benefits of sliding egress windows
- Natural sunshine galore! These windows are open from sill to frame, letting the light shine in for a natural, beautiful uplift to any room.
- Unobstructed views of the outdoors. Sliding windows provide clarity undaunted by middle frames, making it easier to see nature from the comforts of home.
- Sliding windows commonly feature insulated panes. This allows for indoor climate control and energy efficiency that you wouldn’t otherwise get with non-insulated windows.
- Sliding windows are great for ventilation. Are you looking forward to springtime breezes or perhaps the crisp chill of autumn? Open one-half of the sliding window and enjoy the fresh air.
- These types of windows are sleek and aesthetically pleasing, perfect for modern homes’ clean lines and wide open spaces.
- Ease of operation is a massive plus for egress sliding windows. Slide it open and closed again to let in as little or as much of a breeze as possible. Additionally, there are no hinges or slamming parts for little hands and fingers to get closed in.
- Impact resistant options available, which is very important in Southwest and South Florida homes.
As you can see, these are some of the top benefits of egress sliding windows for your Florida home. After investment and installation, you’ll undoubtedly encounter a few of your own benefits.
Conclusion
Egress windows are essential to your safety and security, the safety of your loved ones, and the protection of your Florida home. But they offer much more than a safe escape route. From sunshine and spring breezes to a clear view of the world around you, sliding windows are the most popular for various reasons.
Consider an egress window now to improve the value and safety of your home and family. The financial expense is worth the investment, especially with a strong hurricane shutter like the ones we offer from Eurex Shutters. Call now for a free quote or to learn more about our hurricane shutters and impact windows that can be used to meet egress requirements for your Florida home.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
