Should you cover egress windows?
Throughout the years of coverings thousands of windows along the Forgotten Coast, we’ve encountered a variety of unique windows. One type of window we encounter in every home is the egress window. An egress window is a window that is large enough to enter and exit in case of an emergency. The exact specifications are defined by local building codes, but usually have a minimum height of 24 inches and minimum width of 20 inches.
These windows are used in emergency situations, like a fire, to allow an emergency exit or entrance for firefighters. So, should you cover them? Short answer, yes! The long answer: yes, with some considerations.
What to consider…
As you would imagine, egress windows should be easily, quickly, and safely accessed in the case of an emergency. Usually, there are no requirements for window treatments on egress windows, but your covering option should always be fully functional and able to be lifted or moved out of the way in case of an emergency. There are a few products that would make emergency egress easier and safer…
Shades & Shutters
Windows treatments such as Cellular Shades, Roller Shades, and Natural Shades are great options on egress windows since they’re made of solid panels of material. This makes it easy to push them aside or raise them without the risk of getting caught in the exposed cords. They are able to lift quickly and easily in the case of an emergency.
Shutters, as you could imagine, are an excellent choice since they are able to swing completely out of the way in the case of an emergency. This opens the window entirely which allows for quick and safe exit and entry into a home.
Cordless is key
All of our window treatment options are offered with an optional cordless upgrade, and many of them now include cordless at no additional cost (a part of an industry-wide push for increased child safety). We always recommend cordless options, regardless if the home has children or pets. The combination of ease of use and increased safety make cordless a premium option in style and safety.
Blinds
A classic and timeless solution, and maybe one of my favorites, blinds offer superior style and light control, but may not be the best option for all homes. Faux Wood Blinds, Wood Blinds, and Metal Blinds are beautiful solutions but do have lots of exposed cords. While these do come with free cordless options, the exposed cords do pose a risk of getting tangled in the slats during egress. That being said, the cords are designed to release at specific weights.
Are your windows safe?
Ready to order new coverings for your windows? Maybe you’re just wanting to see if your existing treatments meet new safety requirements. You can read more about cord safety and child safety here or reach out to us and our Design Advisors are happy to help! Schedule a free consultation call today!