How to Repair and Replace Egress Windows in Massachusetts
If you have the know-how, repairing or replacing an egress window may be something you can do yourself. However, this is usually a job best left to the experts.
The right egress window contractor will ensure your home stays dry and safe, especially when the weather can be so unpredictable in Northern Massachusetts. Below, learn why you might want to repair or replace egress windows, how to do it, and why you should work with Groundworks.
What Is an Egress Window?
An egress window is an opening, usually in your basement, that provides a safe way to escape your home in a flood, fire, or other emergency. Floods are a growing problem here in Northern Massachusetts, especially in Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, and other communities in the Merrimack Valley. These cities are close to the Merrimack River, which can flood during periods of heavy rainfall and snowmelt.
An egress window needs to meet specific building codes to ensure it provides a safe and accessible escape route. In Massachusetts, the minimum height of the clear opening should be 24”, and the minimum width should be 20”. The sill height can’t be more than 44” above the floor.
This is one of the reasons why working with a professional for basement window replacement or repair is essential. If you get things wrong, your egress window may not be up to code, which means your home could fail an inspection if you sell it in the future.
Why Replace or Repair an Egress Window?
Here are some of the scenarios where it might be time to replace or repair your egress window:
- Water is entering your home: Water may be seeping into your basement through cracks or gaps in your egress window, especially after a storm or flood event. Excess water can destroy your belongings, threaten your home’s structural stability, and encourage mold growth and pests.
- The window frame has rusted: A rusted window frame isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Rust can eat away at your window’s metal components over time, making it difficult to open and close the window. This can be a safety hazard, especially as the whole point of an egress window is to provide a way to escape your home.
- Your window isn’t up to code: If your window is too big, too small, or installed incorrectly, it might not comply with local building regulations. This may delay a future home sale or potentially lower your property’s worth.
Repairing or Replacing Your Egress Window
How to repair an egress window depends on what’s wrong with it:
- Faulty hardware: Replacing broken locks, hinges, and other window components may be simple if you have DIY experience.
- Cracked window: If your window has cracked glass, you could buy a glass repair kit from the hardware store and try to fix it. However, you may need to replace the window entirely if it has significant cracks.
- Window leaks: Caulk or weather stripping may fix a leaky window. However, a full replacement by egress window contractors might be necessary if this doesn’t work.
Replacing your egress window might be a good idea if it has extensive damage, doesn’t provide adequate insulation, or isn’t up to code. This usually involves removing the interior trim around the window, removing the window and framing, installing a new window with the right materials, and replacing the trim. As you can see, basement window replacement is a major job that’s better suited to professionals.
How Waterproofing Your Entire Basement With Groundworks Can Safeguard Your Home
Rather than just repairing or replacing an egress window, consider a more comprehensive basement waterproofing system that keeps water away from this part of your home. As a result, you can preserve your property’s structural integrity and avoid more expensive fixes in the future.
Serving Northern Massachusetts, Groundworks has a wide range of basement waterproofing solutions, including dehumidifiers, sump pumps, and interior drains. Contact us to learn more.
Egress Windows FAQs
Basement windows aren’t like other windows in your house: you need to take extra care when installing them to avoid basement moisture problems and leaks, so we recommend getting it done by an expert.
Yes, egress window and window well installation provides a safe living area for an additional bedroom, home office, game room, or rental space. Installing an egress window can also increase the resale value of your home.
You can install weatherstripping, apply plastic film insulation, and close any gaps or cracks to prevent heat loss.
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