What Is An Egress Window?
An egress window allows homeowners to exit their basements in case of an emergency. Egress windows are required in all finished basements before they can be legally converted into a habitable room. The International Residential Code (IRC) has specific dimensions and requirements that egress windows must follow. Egress windows also increase natural lighting and ventilation in your basement. Any windows installed below grade (below the soil line) must have a window well to ensure they can fully open. Egress windows are required to open into the basement so that snow and water do not block it.

Benefits Of Egress Windows

Escape

Access

Lighting

Ventilation
Where Are Egress Windows Required?

How Do We Install An Egress Window?
The Real Seal Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair‘s egress window installation process is very simple.
1. First, we dig a hole outside your foundation wall.
2. Second, we cut a hole in your foundation wall that matches the window size.
3. Third, we install a window with at least 5.7 sq ft of space and no higher than 44 inches from the floor.
4. Fourth, we install a window well that provides space for the window to open and allows first responders to enter your basement. We also install a drain pipe to ensure your well doesn’t pool with water.
Who To Call For Egress Window Installation Near You?
If you live in Chicagoland and need to install an egress window, call The Real Seal. We’re a next-generation basement waterproofing and foundation repair company committed to improving the service and quality that other companies don’t offer anymore. We give our fullest attention to each project we take on, no matter the size. We take pride in our craft and have Fully Transferable Lifetime Warranties on most of our work.
What Our Customers Are Saying
George, our technician, did an outstanding job with the repair. During the process, he discovered a 2x4 that had been bolted directly into the foundation wall—a possible cause of the cracking we were seeing. He explained how that kind of pressure can lead to long-term structural issues, which we never would have realized on our own. George not only fixed the problem, but also walked me through the repair process and what was being done to ensure the wall would be properly supported going forward.
Both Rob and George were professional, knowledgeable, and respectful throughout. It’s rare to find a company where both the inspection and the repair sides are this strong. I’d highly recommend Real Seal to anyone needing foundation repair or basement waterproofing. Their team brings both skill and great communication—exactly what you want for something as important as your home’s foundation.
If you have a crawlspace want to add square footage to your home (or have a nice new spot to wait out tornados), I highly recommend reaching out to Real Seal about a conversion.
Egress Windows FAQs

Is it worth it to install egress windows?
Yes. Egress windows provide access, escape, lighting, and ventilation.

Do egress windows leak?
If installed improperly or without a drainage system inside the well, your egress window may leak.

How long does it usually take to install an egress window?
For a brand new window with a new cut in the foundation, it is a two day process. If we are replacing an existing window, it is a one day process.

Can this installation be done in the winter?
Yes. The ground might be harder to dig through because of the frost, but we still get it done.
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SERVICE AREA
Repairing foundations in Chicagoland and surrounding areas.
