Covering egress window
#1
04-02-19, 11:31 PM
Join Date: Apr 2019
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Covering egress window
So I have a total of 4 regress windows in my unfinished basement. Im currently working on finishing a small part of it for an office - the rest will remain unfinished. One of the regress windows would be in the office. Since Im not a big fan of windows and dont care about natural light or resell value I would like to simply insulate it and cover it up with drywall so it would look like there was one continues wall. Since I have 3 more regress windows in my basement (unfinished part) that are only one doorway away would this still satisify code? If I ever finished the rest of the basement I would leave those accessible.
This is in Ontario
This is in Ontario
#2
04-03-19, 12:18 AM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
It's egress windows.
I don't see a code issue but what happens if the window breaks.
How will you fix it if you sheetrock over it ?
It's egress windows.
I don't see a code issue but what happens if the window breaks.
How will you fix it if you sheetrock over it ?
#4
04-03-19, 05:44 AM
Group Moderator
You call it an office but if and when you ever sell the house and it would be considered a bedroom, you might not want to remove the window completely. No problem with covering it temporarily.
#5
04-03-19, 05:48 AM
Rare that a basement would have 4 egress windows so are you talking about regular basement windows? What size are they?
Usually egress windows are only installed when required thus if there was a requirement for them you may not be allowed to cover or remove them.
Bud
Usually egress windows are only installed when required thus if there was a requirement for them you may not be allowed to cover or remove them.
Bud
#6
04-27-19, 02:40 PM
Join Date: Apr 2019
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Sorry for the late reply guys - I had to put my project aside for bit due to work.
Maybe I misunderstood what an egress window is but I have attached pictures to show you guys what I mean.
I'm also planing on having a deck build and the contractor said it wouldn't be against code to have those windows covered. (not sure of course if I should trust his answer) So those windows would be useless anyway.
I still have one window in the basement on the other side which I will leave.
Maybe I misunderstood what an egress window is but I have attached pictures to show you guys what I mean.
I'm also planing on having a deck build and the contractor said it wouldn't be against code to have those windows covered. (not sure of course if I should trust his answer) So those windows would be useless anyway.
I still have one window in the basement on the other side which I will leave.
Last edited by PJmax; 04-27-19 at 02:52 PM. Reason: imported/resized pictures
#7
04-27-19, 03:01 PM
Group Moderator
Just curious..... how do you know those are egress windows
They usually need to be easy to get to, easy to remove, and be large enough for a person to fit thru.
Based on an inspection I recently saw on a basement..... those would not pass for egress windows.
They usually need to be easy to get to, easy to remove, and be large enough for a person to fit thru.
Based on an inspection I recently saw on a basement..... those would not pass for egress windows.
Concretemasonry
voted this post useful.
#8
04-27-19, 03:25 PM
Member
The opening of the windows shown is too small to qualify as egress windows. Check on your code to see if the opening is large enough.
The egress indow opening also has to have the sill height less than a specific height to allow children to get out.
Dick
The egress indow opening also has to have the sill height less than a specific height to allow children to get out.
Dick
#10
04-27-19, 04:47 PM
This isn't related to just the windows but a good read on finishing a basement.
https://www.buildingscience.com/docu...ts?full_view=1
Bud
https://www.buildingscience.com/docu...ts?full_view=1
Bud
#11
04-27-19, 04:52 PM
Group Moderator
Maybe I misunderstood what an egress window is
