Getting new windows should be an exciting project. New windows provide a boost of curb appeal. They also can provide things like added functionality, improved energy efficiency, and more. One thing to be aware of when replacing your windows throughout your home is that you will need to meet Florida’s egress requirements. The word egress means to exit, leave, or climb out of. In turn, Egress windows are those that provide people a safe exit out your home in an emergency. They also give first responders a way to enter your home in an emergency. These windows are required for basements (where applicable), in bedrooms, and in second-floor or high-rise living spaces. There are many types of egress windows to pick from for your home.
Keep reading to learn all you need to know about egress requirements and the types of egress windows for homes in Florida. Finding a window that meets the egress requirements and your personal preferences is not hard, and in this article we will walk you through all the options.
Egress Requirements in Florida
Egress windows for Florida homes have to be big enough for a large adult male to fit through them 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.
The important thing to note is that the requirements are based on the window opening, not the window as a whole.
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.) 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.
You can learn more in our in-depth guide on Florida Egress Window Requirements.
Common Types of Egress Windows
There are multiple egress windows types for your Florida home. You will notice these are all normal windows. And they are all available as impact windows in Southwest Florida, which is critical for hurricane protection purposes. Whether they are suitable for egress will depend on if they meet the requirements above.
The most common types of egress windows are sliding windows, single hung windows, double hung windows, and both casement and awning windows that open wide enough to allow egress.
Each egress window style has it own features, benefits, and style. Some fit in most rooms. Others are more suitable for specific areas of the home.
We discuss each type of egress window below in more detail.
Sliding Egress Windows
Sliding windows are one of the most popular window types used for egress. These windows don’t have hinges. Instead, they open and close by sliding along tracks at the top and bottom of the window frame. They can be used for large openings, which makes them great for bedrooms and living spaces. It also provides a large egress opening.
This type of window is useful for openings where the width is bigger than the height (wide windows). Sliding windows are commonly used to meet egress requirements in bedrooms. Learn more about choosing the right egress windows for bedrooms.
Benefits of Sliding Windows
Egress sliding windows are one of the most popular types, especially for wide openings. Unlike single and double hung, these fit naturally in larger openings. They also easily slide open. This makes it convenient for anyone to open them in an emergency. And it makes them suitable for even larger adults to exit or enter from.
You will be happy to know that these windows are available as sliding impact windows, which offer excellent hurricane protection for Florida homeowners.
Considerations of Sliding Windows
Sliding windows work as egress windows when the opening is wide. This is because only half the window opens (it slides over the other half). In turn, in order for the opening to be large enough to meet egress the window as a whole has to be large. For example, using a sliding window in a wide opening is a good fit. But using one for a narrow opening will not work for egress reasons.
Interested? Learn all about Sliding Egress Windows: A Guide for Homeowners in Florida.
Casement Egress Windows
Casement windows open by a hinge on the side of the window. They swing in or out via a crank or other mechanism. These windows are typically tall, narrow windows.
Casement windows are commonly found in living areas, behind a kitchen sink, and sometimes in bedrooms and bathrooms.
They are suitable for egress as long as they are wide enough and as long as the window opens enough.
There are two types of casement windows: ones that swing outwards and ones that swing into the home.
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. This can limit the opening size available for egress.
Benefits of Casement Egress Windows
Casement windows that open fully provide suitable egress. In fact, they provide an opening that is close to the total window size.
Considerations of Casement Windows For Egress
Not all casement windows open fully or provide adequate egress. You will need to ensure that you work with your window company to determine if casement windows are suitable for the specific opening.
Single Hung Windows
Single hung egress windows open by sliding vertically from the bottom up. Single hung windows only have one movable sash, which is the bottom one.
Benefits of Single Hung Windows
These are common windows that are generally economical compared to some other types. They open vertically, which means they do not need clearance inside or outside the home to open them.
Considerations of Single Hung Windows
Only half the window opens, which means the window must be significantly large enough to meet egress requirements. These can be used for egress, but they have to meet the egress size requirements.
Double Hung Egress Windows
Double hung windows have two sashes, a bottom sash and a top sash. Both sashes are able to open by sliding vertically (up or down). Even though both sashes can open, the opening of the window still only equals one half of the window. This is because one sash opens at a time and overlaps the other. Similar to single hung windows they can be used for egress, but they have to meet the size requirements.
Benefits of Double Hung Windows
Similar to single hung windows, they open vertically so they do not need clearance inside or outside the home to open them.
Considerations of Double Hung Windows
Only half the window opens, which means the window must be significantly large enough to meet egress requirements.
Awning Windows For Egress
Awning windows have hinges on the top of the window. They open by moving the glass outward from the bottom of the window with a crank handle or other mechanism.
Benefits of Awning Windows
Awning windows that can open fully (up to 90 degrees) are well suited for egress use. You will need to ask your window company to confirm that their windows are suitable for egress purposes.
Outside of egress, awning windows are a great choice for retrofits, especially if you live in a coastal or HVHZ designated area. That is because they are approved for use in HVHZ locations.
Considerations of Awning Windows for Egress Purposes
Not all awning windows are suitable for egress purposes. Some are limited in how far they open, making it difficult for someone to get through. Also, awning windows need to be quite tall to meet the opening requirements.
Which Type of Egress Window is Right For You?
There’s a place for each of these windows in your home. While egress sliding windows are the most popular, the other types can be a fit depending on the location and your needs.
Remember that egress windows of all kinds were designed to be additional escape routes (and entry points) in case of emergencies. You have options when it comes to meeting Florida’s egress requirements. Working with a local window company can help you determine the best type of window to meet both local building codes as well as your preferences.
Conclusion
When replacing windows in your Florida home, understanding egress window requirements is crucial for safety and legal requirements. Egress windows serve as essential emergency exits and entry points for first responders. The Florida Building Code mandates specific minimum clear opening sizes: 5 square feet for first-floor windows and 5.7 square feet for second-floor or higher windows. Additionally, these openings must have a sill height within 44 inches of the floor. They must also be operable from the inside without tools or special knowledge.
Several common window types can function as egress windows, provided they meet these size and operational requirements. Types of egress windows include sliding windows, casement windows, single-hung windows, double-hung windows, and awning windows. Each type has unique characteristics, and while some, like sliding windows, are often a natural fit for egress due to their large openings, others may require specific dimensions or full opening capabilities to comply.
Consulting with a local window company is recommended to ensure your chosen windows meet Florida’s egress requirements while also meeting your personal preferences and home’s design.
If you need impact windows in Southwest Florida go with the Pros at Eurex Shutters. Call now for a free quote or to learn more about impact windows that can be used to meet egress requirements for your Florida home.
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