IRC Code Compliance for Basement Egress Systems, Basement Doors, Finished Basements and Basement Windows Installers in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County, Chester County, PA Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractors Increasing Your Home's Safety Against Fire

Below are some of the highlights of the 2006 IRC (International Residential Code), Section R310, as it pertains to windows below ground level.

Windows

Sill height of window above floor: Not to exceed 44 inches.
Minimum opening area: = 5.7 sq. ft.
Minimum opening height: ≥ 24"
Minimum opening width: ≥ 20"

Window Wells/Area Wells

Required where window opening sill height is below ground elevation.
Horizontal dimensions: ≥ 9 sq. ft.
Horizontal projection: ≥ 36"

Ladders

Required on window wells deeper than 44" and must be permanently attached.

Ladder may encroach into well up to 6"
Step Distance between rungs: ≤ 18"
Rungs: 12" wide or greater and must project a minimum of 3" away from wall but maximum of 6".

Grates & Covers

Shall be removable without special tools.

Code sponsored by: The International Code Coucil, the Building Officials Code Administration (BOCA), the Uniform Building Codes (UBC), and the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI).