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In Richmond Hill, egress windows are essential for both safety and following Ontario’s laws. These special windows are designed to be escape routes in emergencies, like fires. It’s crucial to pick a reliable company for installation to ensure these windows meet legal size requirements and enhance your home’s safety.
A good installation company will understand these regulations and help ensure your egress windows are correctly installed, combining safety with good looks for your home.
When installed properly, egress windows will prevent water penetrating your basement, provide adequate spacing for escape and help you meet the required regulations for creating a rentable second suite in your basement.
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Egress window regulations in Ontario are critical for ensuring the safety of residents, particularly in bedrooms located in basements. These regulations set forth by the Ontario Building Code are designed to ensure that all homes have safe and accessible escape routes in case of emergencies. Here’s a closer look at the detailed requirements that homeowners in Richmond Hill need to be aware of:
Operability and Minimum Size: Egress windows must be designed to open from the inside without the use of any tools. They must have an opening portion of at least 3.8 square feet, roughly equivalent to a 30” x 30” opening in a brick wall. This size requirement is vital to ensure that in an emergency, the window can serve as an effective escape route. Furthermore, no dimension of the window opening should be less than 15 inches to ensure ease of exit for individuals.
Considerations for Sliding Windows: In the case of sliding windows, only the portion of the window that can be opened counts towards the size requirement for egress. This detail is crucial for ensuring that the window serves its intended purpose as a viable escape route.
Window Well Requirements: For egress windows that open into a window well, there is a minimum clearance requirement of 22 inches in front of the window. This specification ensures that there is adequate space for an individual to exit through the window well safely. If the window’s design includes a sash that swings outward into the well, it must not obstruct the window from fully opening or reduce the clearance space. Additionally, any covers placed over the window well must be designed to open without the need for tools or special skills, facilitating easy escape during emergencies.
If you’re converting your basement into a secondary suite, there might be a need for what’s known as an “escape window,” which has slightly different requirements:
Size and Accessibility: The escape window must have an openable portion of at least 4.1 square feet (approximately a 31” x 31” opening), with no dimension less than 18 inches. The window sill’s bottom cannot be more than 35 inches above the floor, although steps or fixed furniture can be used to meet this requirement. As shown below:
Window Well Specifications: The projection of the window well must be no less than 39 inches, ensuring enough space for an individual to exit through the window well.
When selecting windows for egress purposes in your Richmond Hill home, it’s crucial to choose ones that comply with safety regulations while also fitting your home’s aesthetic and functional needs. There’s a common misconception that only specific types of windows can serve as egress windows. In reality, most windows can qualify as egress windows, provided they meet the necessary safety requirements.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows are a frequent choice for egress because of their simplicity and ease of use. However, it’s important to remember that only the portion of the window that can open is considered when determining if it meets egress requirements. A note of caution: some might suggest slider windows with panes that swing in, but often, these do not pass inspection. The mechanisms for swinging these windows typically require specific knowledge to operate, which does not comply with the straightforward accessibility standards set by safety regulations.
Hopper Windows
Hopper windows, which open upward and stay open without additional support, are another option for egress windows. If you’re considering hopper windows, ensure there’s enough space for them to open fully without obstruction from the ceiling. It’s also worth noting that hopper windows generally have a maximum width of 36 inches to maintain the integrity of the opening mechanism.
Casement Windows
Casement windows that swing outward are common for egress purposes. Operated by a crank handle, these windows can open outwards up to 90 degrees. Our casement windows come equipped with special egress hinges, allowing for a wider opening into a standard 22-inch window well, even for windows 30 inches wide. The maximum width for casement windows is set at 72 inches to ensure full functionality and compliance with egress standards.
In-Swing Casement Windows
In-swing casement windows, resembling doors with side hinges, open inward and are favoured for their large opening size. However, their installation is specific to areas without ceiling recesses to avoid obstruction when fully opened. The maximum width for in-swing casement windows is 36 inches, ensuring they can open fully within the space constraints.
Tilt and Turn Windows
Tilt and turn windows offer dual functionality: they can swing in like in-swing casement windows and tilt from the top for ventilation without fully opening. This design is particularly advantageous for air circulation without compromising security. However, like in-swing windows, tilt and turn models must be installed where they can open fully without internal obstruction, with a width limitation of 40 inches to support the sash weight effectively.
In most cases, your basement windows will need to be enlarged to meet egress regulations. Standard builder basement windows are usually about 28” x 12” slider windows which are too small to serve as an egress window.
The easiest way to enlarge a window is by cutting it down. A cut down doesn’t require additional support for either the floor joists or the exterior brick. In some cases, it is also easier to obtain a city permit for a cut down then it is for a horizontal window enlargement.
At minimum, a window that is about 28” wide will have to be cut down to 32” which, after frame deductions, will give you an openable area of 4 square feet (the requirement is 3.8 square feet). Of course, the window can be cut down to larger height if you prefer to let more light and air into the basement.
Unless you have enough clearance to keep the window above grade, you will also need to install a window well and excavate the ground below. This also means that proper drainage will need to be installed to make sure that water is not accumulating in the window well.
When considering a horizontal cut, it is important to remember that there will be additional work associated with the enlargement. A steel lintel will need to be placed on the exterior of the home in order to support the brick and a wooden header placed on the inside to support the floor joists. You should also check the exterior of the house to make sure there is nothing in the way that will prevent the window from being enlarged.
When planning for an egress window installation in Richmond Hill, it’s crucial to recognize the complexity of the task and the factors influencing the project’s cost. Given the uniqueness of each installation, obtaining a personalized consultation is recommended for the most accurate pricing. Below are the scenarios that homeowners might encounter and the associated cost estimates to consider:
Homeowners with a slider window that already meets the size requirements for egress can opt for a simpler update—replacing it with a single pane window. This job, which encompasses both manufacturing and installation, is typically the most cost-effective, with expenses usually around $1,500. This option is ideal for those looking to comply with regulations without extensive structural changes.
If your current above-grade window is too small to meet egress standards, the project will require cutting down the window size and performing the necessary excavation to install a window well with proper drainage. This more involved process has an approximate cost ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. It’s a comprehensive solution that ensures your window not only meets legal requirements but also enhances the safety and functionality of your living space.
For homes with small above-grade windows that have enough clearance for resizing without the need for ground excavation, the cost for enlargement is estimated to be between $1,400 and $2,400. This scenario applies to properties where external ground adjustments are minimal, making it a mid-range option in terms of both cost and construction effort.
Introducing a new window, especially in the basement, is a complex process that demands careful structural support to maintain the integrity of your home. When the installation is below grade and requires excavation and window well installation, costs can rise to between $2,800 and $4,000. This option is for homeowners needing to add a window where none exists, ensuring compliance with egress requirements and enhancing the basement’s livability.
For homeowners in Richmond Hill considering any of these egress window projects, it’s vital to consult with professionals for a detailed estimate tailored to your specific situation. The intricacies of each project vary, and so will the costs, based on the individual characteristics of your home and the extent of the work required.
The Installation Process: What to Expect
When embarking on an egress window installation project in Richmond Hill, Ontario, it’s crucial to understand the steps involved to ensure the process is smooth and compliant with local regulations. Here’s a detailed overview of what homeowners can expect:
Consultation: The process begins with a consultation to assess your needs, discuss design options, and determine the best location for the egress window. This stage often involves reviewing building codes to ensure compliance.
Design Selection: Choose the type of egress window that suits your basement’s aesthetic and functional requirements. Options include casement, sliding, or double-hung windows, each offering different benefits.
While permits are not always required, obtaining the necessary permits is a critical step.The permit can be prepared by our architect or you can use your own if you prefer. In Richmond Hill, egress window installations must comply with the Ontario Building Code, which stipulates minimum size requirements and escape routes for safety.
Excavation: If your egress window requires a window well, the site around the installation area will be excavated. This step is crucial for below-grade windows to ensure proper light and emergency egress.
Cutting: For homes with concrete or brick foundations, specialized cutting equipment is used to create the window opening. This process requires precision to maintain structural integrity while accommodating the new window.
A window well is installed to prevent soil from filling the space around the window and to ensure a clear escape path. Proper drainage is also established during this step to prevent water accumulation.
The egress window is securely installed into the prepared opening. This involves framing, sealing, and insulating the window to prevent leaks and drafts, ensuring a tight fit within the wall.
Interior Finishing: The interior space around the window is finished with trim, drywall, and paint to match the existing basement interior.
Exterior Landscaping: After the installation is complete, any disturbed areas around the home’s exterior are landscaped and returned to their original condition, or improved to enhance aesthetic appeal.
A final inspection by local authorities may be required to ensure the installation meets all relevant codes and standards. This step validates the safety and functionality of the egress window.
What to Expect in Terms of Time and Disruption:
The entire process, from consultation to completion, is usually dependent on whether we have to order any custom products. Custom window and door production times vary throughout the year and depending on the product ordered. The installation itself is usually completed within one day.
Homeowners should expect some noise and disruption during the excavation and cutting phases but rest assured that professional installers aim to minimize impact on your daily life.
In Richmond Hill, the Building Standards Department requires you to get a permit for certain types of window and door projects in your home. It’s important to know when you need a permit to make sure you follow local laws and avoid any problems during your home improvements.
Installing a New Window Where None Existed: If you want to add a new window to a place in your home where there wasn’t one before, you’ll need a permit.
Installing a New Door Where There Was None Before: Adding a new door to your home also requires a permit, especially if it involves cutting through walls and creating a new opening.
Increasing the Width of an Existing Window Opening: If you plan to make a window bigger by widening the opening, this change requires a permit since it involves altering the structure of your home.
Replacing an Existing Window: If you’re simply swapping out an old window for a new one of the same size and in the same location, you generally do not need a permit.
No Structural Changes: Any updates that don’t alter the structure of the building (like installing a new window without changing the size of the opening) typically do not require a permit.
Need Help or More Information?
If you’re unsure whether your project needs a permit, you can call us or the Richmond Hill Building Standards Department. They can provide guidance specific to your situation. You can also visit their website for more detailed information about building permits and regulations in Richmond Hill.
Richmond Hill residents are increasingly recognizing the value of secondary suites. These units are self-contained living spaces with their own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, typically located within a single-family home or on the same property. They can be an excellent way for homeowners to generate additional income and provide more housing options within the community.
A secondary suite is often set up in basements and can help utilize existing spaces to offer affordable housing without the need to build new structures. This arrangement offers both financial benefits for homeowners and increased housing availability in Richmond Hill.
Converting a basement into a secondary suite in Richmond Hill involves several key steps:
Creating a secondary suite involves more than just installing the right windows and doors. There are other building standards to consider, such as fire safety, soundproofing, and plumbing, which must all adhere to local regulations. An architect or a professional builder can provide invaluable assistance in navigating these requirements and ensuring that your secondary suite meets all necessary codes and standards.
Secondary suites offer numerous benefits:
If you’re considering adding a secondary suite to your home in Richmond Hill and need guidance on requirements or obtaining necessary permits, consulting with an architect or a building expert is a great first step. The local Building Standards Department can also provide assistance and ensure your project complies with all local regulations.
When it comes to enhancing the safety and value of your Richmond Hill home with an egress window installation, selecting the right contractor is paramount. Here’s why our team stands out as the premier choice for your egress window project:
Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals with years of experience in egress window installations. We understand the intricacies of the Ontario Building Code and ensure that every project not only meets but exceeds the required safety standards.
We recognize that every home and homeowner’s needs are unique. That’s why we offer personalized consultations to understand your specific requirements and provide custom solutions tailored to your space and preferences. Whether it’s selecting the right window style or navigating the challenges of a particularly tricky installation, we’ve got you covered.
Our commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of our work, from the premium materials we use to our meticulous attention to detail during installation. We partner with trusted suppliers to ensure that your egress window not only looks great but lasts for years to come.
We believe in honest, upfront pricing without hidden fees. Following our initial consultation, we provide a detailed estimate that outlines all costs associated with your project, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the investment required.
Our dedication to customer satisfaction sets us apart. We keep you informed throughout the entire process, from initial consultation to project completion, and are always available to answer any questions you may have along the way.
The safety of your family and our team is our top priority. We adhere to strict safety protocols on every job site, ensuring a safe and efficient installation process.
We respect your time and strive to complete every project within the agreed timeframe. Our efficient work practices and effective project management ensure minimal disruption to your daily life.
We stand behind our work with a comprehensive warranty on materials and labour. Plus, our aftercare service ensures you can enjoy peace of mind long after the installation is complete.
