Egress Systems

Expert Egress System Setup & Maintenance in Chesterbrook, PA

Reasons To Get Your Basement Window Replacement Egress Professionally 

When a basement leak or excess humidity starts to impair your home's basement foundation or structure, you need an egress window. A basement egress window Chesterbrook, PA is a door that lets people in and out of your home, especially if you live alone. It's a simple concept, really. You have someone install a window on one side of the door to allow people to get in and out. And then you cover it with some sort of insulation or foam so that no air can get through and no moisture can get out.

Sometimes, however, the window installation is not quite complete. There might be a problem with the insulation, or the window frame itself may be faulty. Or, maybe the company doing the work doesn't know how to do a really good job installing a basement egress window. In these cases, there are several things you can do to either fix the problem yourself or hire someone else to do the job for you.

New Paragraph



Get a Free Quote

How do you install an Egress Window yourself? 

First, you can do the installation yourself. Most basement egress windows are about two feet by four feet, so if you're working with a tight space, this shouldn't be a problem. The average price to install an egress window in a finished basement is roughly $ 250 per window. This range assuming that the room is already an existing well-ventilated room with an opening of at least the same size as your chosen window. If your room is not vented at all, it is a good idea to make sure you don't have any moisture problems or drafts, either.

If your room is not adequately insulated, or if you just want an inexpensive, easy installation, you can always choose to have a contractor install the egress windows for you. There are several contractors that specialize in basement waterproofing. A quick search on the Internet should give you a list of companies you can contact to discuss your needs and provide a quote on your project. Make sure to check their credentials and ask lots of questions before deciding which one to use.


Interested in our services?

We want to know your needs exactly so that we can provide the perfect solution. Let us know what you want and we’ll do our best to help. 

Call Us Now

Egress System for Your Basement


An egress system is a critical safety feature for any basement, ensuring safe exits in case of emergencies while improving natural light and ventilation. This guide will cover why an egress system is essential, the benefits it offers, factors that affect installation, and answers to frequently asked questions about egress windows and systems.


Why is an Egress System Needed?


An egress window is required by building codes in many areas when finishing a basement or converting it into livable space. It serves as an emergency exit in case of fire or other emergencies. Here's why having an egress system is crucial:

  1. Safety Compliance: Building codes require basements to have a means of escape. Installing an egress window ensures compliance with local safety regulations. Proper egress window requirements include specific egress window size and placement to provide a safe exit.
  2. Emergency Access: In addition to serving as an exit for occupants, egress windows also provide emergency responders with easy access to your home in case of a rescue.
  3. Natural Light and Ventilation: Basement windows, especially egress windows, allow natural light to brighten otherwise dark spaces, improving the atmosphere of the basement. They also provide much-needed ventilation, reducing the risk of dampness and mold.
  4. Improved Property Value: An egress window basement setup enhances the value of your home by turning your basement into a legal and safe living area. It’s a feature that can attract potential buyers if you ever decide to sell your home.


What Are the Benefits of the Egress System?


Installing an egress system offers several advantages that go beyond safety:

  1. Increased Living Space: By installing an egress window, your basement becomes a usable space that can be converted into a bedroom, home office, or recreation area, significantly expanding your home's living area.
  2. Enhanced Safety: An egress window is not just about compliance with safety regulations; it provides a critical escape route in case of fire or other emergencies, especially for bedrooms or livable spaces below ground.
  3. Energy Efficiency: When combined with basement window replacement, egress windows can improve insulation and reduce energy costs. Modern egress window replacement options are designed to be energy-efficient and can help lower heating and cooling bills.
  4. Aesthetic and Functional Benefits: Egress windows can transform your basement into a bright, inviting space. Coupled with well-designed egress window wells and basement window covers, they can protect your home from water infiltration and add visual appeal to the exterior.
  5. Increased Home Value: An egress system can significantly boost the resale value of your home, as it allows you to list the basement as finished, livable space.


Factors Affecting Egress System Installation


Several factors can influence the cost and complexity of installing an egress window in your basement:

  1. Size and Type of Window: The egress window size and type are important considerations. According to egress window requirements, the window must be large enough for a person to escape through, typically at least 5.7 square feet in area. Larger windows can be more costly but may provide better lighting and accessibility.
  2. Location of Installation: The depth and location of the window well will impact the cost of installation. Basements with deeper foundations will require more extensive excavation for the egress window wells. Additionally, the type of soil and existing landscaping around your home can affect installation difficulty.
  3. Basement Window Wells: Adding or replacing egress window and well setups will impact the cost. Deep wells might need drainage solutions to prevent water pooling, while shallow wells can be paired with basement window covers for added protection against the elements.
  4. Building Code Compliance: Ensuring your egress window basement installation meets local egress window requirements is crucial. The window must meet specific size and placement regulations to qualify as an egress.
  5. Material Choices: The materials used for the window and well will affect durability and cost. For example, vinyl windows are often more affordable than wood but may not have the same aesthetic appeal.
  6. Replacement Needs: If you are dealing with an old or deteriorating window, a basement window replacement or even cellar window replacement may be necessary. The state of your current windows will influence the complexity and cost of the project.


What are the Benefits of Having an Egress Window Installed?

There are many benefits to having the egress window wells professionally installed. If the panel has been installed correctly, there should be no cracks or openings. The panes must be sewn or glued securely. Professionals will also carefully install the ventilation shafts and the exit routes. All of these safety features will help to make sure no one is trapped during an emergency escape.


Remember: if your basement window glass needs repair, it is important to contact a Glass Doctor first. A Glass Doctor can provide necessary information about how you can get your home's windows replaced, what type of glasses are available, and how each type works best to protect your home. Don't put off getting your egress window repaired - contact a Glass Doctor for an evaluation and professional advice.


For the best installation experience, you might consider contracting with a company that specializes in basement waterproofing. If you live in a part of the country that has a national or state-specific mandate, some companies will only install the egress windows they sell.

Most reputable contractors, however, will install the panels according to the local building codes. The cost of installation will vary depending on your location and the number of panels you require. It is also a good idea to find out if the company can help you to design and submit your warranty application because that can cut down your total cost.


If your basement waterproofing is not satisfactory, and you still want to have access to an emergency escape plan, there are companies that specialize in basement window engineering.


They will consult with you to determine the best system for your home, and then install it for you according to local building codes. The cost of this type of service is usually a bit higher than the other methods, but since it is done right on-site by professionals, it will last longer without compromising your home. It is also a good idea to find a company that offers both consultation and installation services.


  • What is the minimum egress window size?

    According to building codes, the minimum egress window size must be at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide, with a total area of at least 5.7 square feet to allow for a quick and easy escape.

  • How much does it cost to install an egress window?

    The cost of installing an egress window can vary depending on factors like window size, well depth, and whether you need a basement window replacement. On average, installation costs can range from $2,500 to $5,000

  • Can any basement window be turned into an egress window?

    Not all basement window types qualify as egress windows. Egress windows must meet specific size and accessibility standards to be considered safe exits. If your existing window doesn’t meet these standards, you’ll need to replace it with a compliant egress window.

  • What are egress window wells?

    Egress window wells are exterior structures surrounding the window that prevent soil from blocking the window and allow space for safe egress. They often come with built-in ladders and basement window covers for additional protection and functionality.

  • Do I need an egress window in every room of my basement?

    Building codes generally require at least one egress window in every bedroom or livable area in the basement. If you’re finishing your basement or converting part of it into a bedroom, an egress window is typically required by law.

  • How long does it take to install an egress window?

    Installing an egress window can take anywhere from one to three days, depending on the depth of the window well, the type of window, and whether any additional work, such as drainage or cellar window replacement, is needed.

  • Can I cover my egress window well?

    Yes, you can use basement window covers to protect your egress well from debris, water, and accidental falls, while still allowing light to enter the basement.

Contact us today to receive top-notch services from our skilled team. We are dedicated to delivering quality and customized solutions for each client. Let our experts demonstrate how we can meet your objectives with accuracy and speed. Visit our blog for the latest insights and industry news.

Share by: