Egress Window Guide

SUMMARY OF EGRESS WINDOW REQUIREMENTS

Egress Windows Must:

Be a Slider, Casement, Inward Open Awning or Tilt & Turn Style window.
Have no opening dimension that is less than 15" (0.38m).
Have an unobstructed minimum opening area of 3.77 SF (0.35 m2).
Be openable from the inside without the use of any tools or special knowledge.
Achieve the minimum area of the opening without having to remove sashes or hardware.
Not require support when the window is in the open position.
Not have security bars that require removal with the use of keys, tools or special knowledge.
Provide a minimum clearance of 30" (0.76m) in front of the window, when a window well is used. Click here for more on window wells.

Before

After

OVERVIEW

In accordance with the 2014 Alberta Building Code, all bedrooms must contain at least one egress window, unless the room has an outside opening door or the suite has sprinklers Alberta Building Code. The requirement was developed as a means to ensure the safety of bedrooms in the event of a fire and provide occupants with a reliable escape route. The code applies to any room deemed a bedroom and it is the legal obligation of the homeowner or landlord to ensure that all bedrooms conform to the minimum safety codes that are standardized in the Alberta Building Code.

OTHER BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS

Egress Windows Must:

Be less than 4' (1.2m) wide, unless approved by an engineer.
Not exceed 25% of the length of a wall, unless approved by an engineer.
Not be installed under cantilevers or decks, unless other conditions are satisfied.
Not be closer than 4' (1.2m) from the property line.
Not restrict access to the back yard.
Not be positioned closer than 3' from an exhausting vent.