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Methods of Egress

National, state and local building codes generally dictate standards for ensuring that any room in a home has more than one exit in the event of fire or other emergency. Most basements already have two or more:

  1. Stairs coming down from the first floor of the house.
  2. A bulkhead leading to the exterior.
  3. A door leading to the garage or other part of the home's interior.
  4. One or more windows large enough to meet the requirements for emergency egress.

 

"What if my basement lacks a 2nd way out?"

Not to worry! We can install a second egress using any of several methods available.

We can install a bulkhead which, in addition to providing an emergency exit, can also facilitate the need to easily move bulky objects in and out of the basement. Bulkheads are installed in conjunction with an insulated steel door. Both may be locked but both must be easily opened from inside.

If your basement has a common wall between it and the garage or other part of the house, we can easily cut in a doorway here. This would also generally be fitted with an insulated steel door.

Another option that may offer other important side benefits is the installation of a window large enough to meet code criteria for emergency egress. A suitable window can be installed even below ground level with the use of a specially designed window well. We've installed these units and they not only provide the necessary means of escape, they also allow additional light and ventilation into the basement. They are surprisingly attractive, too.

 

Your safety is important to us

Due to the importance of having more than one way out of any living area in the event of emergency, we cannot and will not remodel any basement that doesn't have at least two viable means of egress. This is more than a code issue for us; this is a matter of doing the job right and leaving you with a safe home.

 

 

Mass. Building Code

5310.1.1 Minimum Opening Area. All emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet.

Exceptions:
1. Grade floor openings shall have a
minimum net clear opening of five square feet.
2. Double hung windows used for
emergency escape shall be permitted to have a net clear opening of 3.3 square feet
provided that at least one
operable sash meets the minimum height and width required by 780 CMR 5310.1.2 and 5310.1.3 and operational constraints
defined by 780 CMR 5310.1.4.

5310.1.2 Minimum Opening Height.

The minimum net clear opening height shall be 20 inches.

5310.1.3 Minimum Opening Width.

The minimum net clear opening width shall be 24 inches.

5310.1.4 Operational Constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools.

 

[Visit the Massachusetts web site for the complete 7th Edition State Building Code.]