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City of Hopkins • Inspections • tsuiiaing inspeciions • winuows I vvuiuuvvb <br /> overall height. <br /> This height requirement makes it undesirable for most basement egress situations. <br /> Awning windows are problematic. Since the <br /> opened sash prevents escape from most window — <br /> wells,they're unsuitable for basement egress. ;yr' <br /> And with most awning windows,the center <br /> opening hardware and height don't meet egress y <br /> requirements. Some manufacturers offer models y <br /> with special detachable operators that meet - <br /> egress requirements. <br /> Why don't my windows meet egress <br /> requirements? <br /> Some older homes were built before there were <br /> any egress window requirements. Many more homes were built when the egress <br /> window net free opening size was 5 sq.ft.Yet even newer homes often lack proper <br /> egress windows.Attics and basements were often legally remodeled into family rooms <br /> or offices (which didn't require egress windows)then later converted into bedrooms <br /> (which now do require them).When bedrooms are added to basements without the <br /> knowledge of inspectors 6a ' <br /> and without the requisite <br /> egress window,they - <br /> create a dangerous : <br /> underground firetrap. 44 <br /> During remodeling, <br /> homeowners often <br /> unwittingly replace large <br /> egress windows with . <br /> smaller, non-egress 1 <br /> windows.And while the <br /> code will require egress <br /> windows be installed when .• <br /> bedrooms are added on, <br /> they won't necessarily <br /> dictate that windows in <br /> existing bedrooms be - <br /> enlarged to egress size; - <br /> it's simply too difficult toxFu <br /> monitor every situation. _ <br /> Required or not, egress - <br /> windows are crucial <br /> lifesaving equipment. If a `b <br /> room has even the remote ` <br /> possibility of later <br /> becoming a bedroom, <br /> include an egress size window. <br /> Basement Egress Windows <br /> Basement egress windows present an added <br /> challenge. Besides the height,width and <br /> overall square-footage requirements that the <br /> window must meet,there are certain <br /> requirements for the window well surrounding <br /> the window. $ <br /> Vlfindowwells must: ISO <br /> • Allow the rescue window opening to be fully <br /> opened. <br /> • Provide 9 sq. ft. of"floor area,"with a <br /> minimum dimension of 36 in in width and infttto Seib <br /> ' '•. <br /> length. 0 $ <br /> • Contain a permanently affixed ladder or ." <br /> steps for climbing out if the window well <br /> depth exceeds 44 inches in depth.The <br /> ladder must be at least 12 in.wide and <br /> project no less than 3 in. from the window .� r. . <br /> well. It can't be obstructed by the open ac <br /> window or encroach on the required <br /> n-m/;nc?Nart;nnC/hiii1l11:1Q/win(iows/earesswindows.htmI 7/20/2005 <br />