Why Choose Crossroads
When the integrity of your home is at stake, you want to leave nothing to chance. At Crossroads, you will get outstanding work with exceptional customer service.
Crossroads did an egress window for us in our basement. They did an absolutely amazing job and I couldn’t be happier! Quick and professional. – Austin Smith
Egress windows provide a safe means of exiting a building in case of an emergency.
This critical component is essential and often required by specific building codes.
Egress windows are typically installed in a home’s basement or lower level.
They must be easily accessible and large enough to allow a person to climb out to serve as an alternate exit route in case the primary exit is blocked.
The installation and maintenance of all egress windows should be taken seriously to ensure your family has a safe passage in any type of home emergency.
Signs You Need to Repair or Replace Your Egress Window
For your egress windows to serve their proper functions, they must be maintained properly.
The following signs indicate that your windows are not providing adequate protection and may need to be repaired or replaced.
1. Water Damage
If your basement floods unexpectedly, or if you notice leaks or water damage near the window, it could be a sign that your window or the corresponding window well needs to be replaced. Any sign of water damage, large or small, is a clear indicator to have your egress windows and window wells checked for a secure and water-tight seal.
2. Cracked Glass
Broken windows must be repaired as soon as possible. Egress windows are typically more vulnerable to damage from weather, kids, and debris because they at or below ground level broken glass is not only hazardous and inefficient, but it also provides an entry point for pests moisture.
The risk of leaving cracked glass unattended isn’t worth it.
Replacement windows are the only option if we are unable to replace the panes of glass.
3. Difficulty Opening or Closing the Window
If your egress window is difficult to open or close, it provides you no value in case of emergency.
This is especially true in the case of children who may need an escape route but might not have the arm strength or skill required to open a window that is stuck.
Weather damage or everyday wear and tear can make an egress window difficult to use and pose a safety concern if not repaired or replaced.
4. Damaged Screens
Egress windows should typically swing inward or slide easily out of the way. If there is a screen, it should be easily removed from the inside, allowing for a quick and easy escape.
If your screen is damaged, stuck, or immovable – this poses a risk to your family, and it should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible.
5. Obstructed View
Egress windows are used to safely escape the home, but they are also used for safety personnel to enter the home.
The accessibility of egress window wells should be easily recognizable and visible from the outside.
In general, a clearance of at least 48 inches is required between the top edge of a window and any structure beneath it outside (such as an elevated deck or porch). If your egress windows are obstructed from either the inside or the outside, this should be remedied to ensure their accessibility.
Crossroads Foundation Repair offers egress window and doors services in several cities throughout Indiana, including Bloomington, Columbus, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Muncie, Richmond, South Bend, and Terre Haute.
Benefits of Egress Windows
They allow natural light into the basement, providing a well-lit and functional space.
Large egress windows can increase the home value if you’re planning to sell your home by providing more natural light to your basement.
They provide fresh ventilation to an otherwise musty or dingy basement by letting in natural, clean air.
We Also Do Egress Doors
Egress doors refer to any doors along the path of egress, (aka exit doors) and they must fulfill the same safety criteria as egress windows to provide safe access in case of emergency or evacuation. We offer egress door installation and repair services.
FAQs About Egress Windows
Why Choose Crossroads Foundation Repair
- All American Made Products – Every repair we do uses 100% American-made products. This ensures the products are made with strict American standards and it benefits our economy.
- No Scare Tactics – We will never try to scare, manipulate or intimidate our customers. We will educate, empower, and provide professional suggestions, and trust you to make the final decision.
- We Don’t Redo Jobs – We believe in our work and keep our standards higher than most. We take care of our customers by getting the work done right the first time. Our repairs last longer and are the better option in the long run.
Install Egress Windows in Your Home Today
If you’re not sure whether your egress windows need to be repaired or if there are any safety hazards, it’s a good idea to have an expert foundation repair company inspect them.
Local building codes frequently have strict guidelines regarding their overall usage and maintenance, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
For all your egress windows and doors needs, give us a call today.
