What Is the Difference Between an Egress Window & a Casement Window?
The terms "egress window" and "casement window" refer to entirely separate aspects of window design. The first term describes the function of the window; only windows that meet specific standards can legally be called egress windows. The second term describes a particular style of window. Because of their design, casement windows make excellent egress windows.
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Egress Windows
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An egress window is one that can be used as an emergency exit from a home in the event of a fire or some other danger. To be an egress window, it must be openable from the inside without having to use any special tools, including keys. Further, the window, once opened, must allow enough room for a typical person to climb or crawl through.
Egress Window Placement
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Only houses and other residential buildings are required to have egress windows; commercial buildings have their own rules for emergency exits. Requirements for egress windows are spelled out in the International Residential Code, which forms the basis for building codes across the United States. In new construction or renovations, the code requires an egress window in every bedroom in a home. Any basement with finished "habitable" space -- meaning space designed for living, sleeping, cooking or eating -- also must have at least one egress window.
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Egress Window Size
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The International Residential Code also specifies how large an egress window must be. The window, when open, must leave a space at least 20 inches wide and at least 24 inches tall, with a total opening area of at least 5.0 square feet for windows at ground level, or 5.7 square feet on other floors. The window sill must also be no more than 44 inches above the room's floor. If a basement egress window opens into a window well, other rules apply: The well must allow the window to open fully, the bottom of the well must be at least 9 square feet, and if the well is more than 44 inches deep, it must have a ladder or steps.
Casement Window
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A casement window has a hinge along one side, so that it swings open like a door. These windows usually open and close with a crank on the inside. Unlike traditional double-hung windows or sliding windows, whose design limits the opening to about half the window surface, the entire casement window opens. This allows for excellent ventilation. In addition, because the whole window opens, a fairly small casement window -- say, 24 inches by 30 inches on a ground floor -- can provide a large enough opening to serve as an egress window.
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