Best Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Colorado Ranked

An egress window is a critical safety feature for any Colorado home with a finished basement or habitable room below ground. It provides a large, easily opened escape route for occupants and clear access for firefighters during an emergency. Colorado has specific building codes that dictate the exact size, placement, and operation of these windows to ensure they are effective. This guide explains the state's requirements, typical costs, and key considerations to help you find qualified local professionals for your project.

HomeStrong

6398 Franklin St, Denver, CO 80216

HomeStrong is a family-owned foundation repair and basement waterproofing contractor based in Denver, CO. They provide comprehensive services including foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, concrete repair, and egress window installation. Their expertise includes proven waterproofing techniques and concrete crack repair to protect and enhance residential properties.

5.0

302 Reviews

Top Star Egress & Services

denver

Top Star Egress & Services is a Denver, CO-based company specializing in egress window installation and window replacement. They provide code-compliant, safe, and stylish solutions including window well replacement, concrete cutting, core drilling, and excavation services. With over 10 years of experience and full licensing and insurance, they serve homeowners throughout Denver and surrounding areas.

5.0

180 Reviews

ItIsWell Egress

denver

ItIsWell Egress is a window repair and replacement company based in Denver, CO, specializing in egress basement windows and window well installations. They provide services including window well replacement, basement window replacement, and window well covers, serving the Denver Metro area. The company emphasizes quality workmanship and customer satisfaction through clear communication and professional service.

5.0

162 Reviews

Liftech Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair

12870 W Alameda Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80228

Liftech Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair is a Denver, CO-based contractor specializing in foundation repair, concrete leveling, waterproofing, and egress window installation. They handle residential and commercial projects, offering comprehensive solutions including concrete lifting and basement waterproofing. Liftech is known for using high-quality repair methods and ensuring compliance with local building codes for egress windows.

4.9

1.1k Reviews

Basement Windows Of Denver

denver

Basement Windows Of Denver is a window replacement and egress window contractor based in Denver, CO. They specialize in installing code-compliant basement and egress windows with stamped engineering approval. The company offers custom window designs with a focus on safety, aesthetics, and quality craftsmanship.

5.0

73 Reviews

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Understanding Colorado's Egress Window Code

Colorado's residential building code, based on the International Residential Code (IRC), mandates egress windows in every sleeping room and any habitable space in a basement ^{1 2}. The primary purpose is life safety, allowing for a secondary means of escape in case the primary exit is blocked by fire or smoke. These regulations are not just for new construction; they also apply when you are finishing a basement or converting a non-habitable space into a bedroom or living area ³.

Failing to meet these codes can have serious consequences. It can create a dangerous living situation, lead to failed home inspections, and potentially void your homeowner's insurance in the event of a claim related to the lack of proper egress. Ensuring your installation is fully compliant is non-negotiable.

Detailed Size and Operational Requirements

The code specifies precise dimensions to ensure an opening is large enough for a fully equipped firefighter to enter and for occupants of all sizes to exit. Here are the key specifications for Colorado ^{3 1 4 5}:

• Minimum Net Clear Opening: The total open space when the window is fully open must be at least 5.7 square feet (820.8 square inches). For windows at or below ground level (grade), the requirement is slightly reduced to 5.0 square feet (720 square inches) ⁵.
• Minimum Opening Dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches high. These are minimums; the opening must still meet the total square footage requirement.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the window opening (the sill) cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor inside the room. This ensures that children and smaller adults can reach and climb out.
• Operability: The window must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It should open fully with a simple, single-action operation like turning a latch and pushing.

The Critical Role of Window Wells

If your egress window is below ground level, a window well is required to create the open space outside the window. The well itself must not obstruct the minimum opening of the window ^{3 6}.

• Size: The well must extend far enough from the foundation wall to allow the window to open fully to its required dimensions. There must be a minimum of 36 inches of clear, level space in front of the window and 36 inches of depth from the window outward for access and rescue ^{3 7}.
• Ladders or Steps: If the window well is deeper than 44 inches, the code requires a permanently attached ladder or steps for escape. The ladder rungs or steps must be spaced no more than 18 inches apart vertically ^{3 4 7}.
• Drainage: This is one of the most important and often overlooked aspects. A window well without proper drainage will fill with water, leading to leaks, mold, and a blocked escape route. Proper installation includes a base of gravel for drainage and often connects to a drain tile or sump pump system ^{3 8}.

Typical Costs for Egress Window Installation in Colorado

The total cost for an egress window project in Colorado varies significantly based on the window size, the need for cutting through the foundation, the complexity of the well, and drainage requirements. Here is a general cost breakdown based on common project scopes:

• Basic Code-Compliant Installation (e.g., 24"x36" window): For a standard-sized window with a basic well, expect costs to range from $2,500 to $4,000. This typically covers the window unit and fundamental installation ³.
• Larger or Better-Lit Installation (e.g., 30"x48" window): A larger window that allows more light often costs between $3,500 and $6,000. The increased size requires more excavation and a larger well ³.
• Average Project with a Proper Well: A common, fully compliant project with a mid-sized window and a well with proper drainage often falls in the $3,500 to $5,500 range ³.
• Custom or Complex Installations: For larger custom windows, installations in difficult soil, or projects requiring extensive drainage solutions like a new sump pump, costs can start at $6,000 and go much higher. Adding a drainage system can cost an additional $600 to $1,200 or more ³.

Local Amendments and Permits

While Colorado follows the IRC, individual cities and counties can have local amendments that add further requirements. It is crucial to check with your local building department before starting any work.

• Denver and Lakewood, for example, have specific guidelines for well dimensions, ladder placement, and drainage ^{3 7}.
• Permits are almost always required for cutting a new opening in your foundation and installing an egress window. A licensed professional will typically handle this process, and the work will be inspected to ensure it meets all code requirements for your specific locality.

Choosing the Right Window and Professional

Not all windows are suitable for egress. Common compliant styles include casement windows (which crank open), double-hung windows (where the bottom sash slides up fully), and sliding windows. The key is that the entire minimum opening area must be clear and unobstructed when the window is open ⁹.

When looking for a professional, ensure they are licensed, insured, and have specific experience with egress window installations in Colorado. They should be familiar with local code amendments, proper structural support for the new foundation opening, and effective drainage solutions. A reputable installer will provide a detailed plan that addresses all code points, from the window specs to the well and ladder details.

Maintaining Your Egress Window System

Once installed, simple maintenance ensures your egress system remains safe and functional:

• Regularly check that the window opens and closes smoothly without sticking.
• Keep the window well clear of leaves, snow, and debris.
• Ensure the ladder or steps are secure and not corroded.
• Verify that drainage is working, especially after heavy rain or snowmelt, to prevent water pooling ⁸.

Investing in a proper egress window installation is an investment in the safety, legality, and value of your Colorado home. By understanding the requirements and working with a qualified expert, you can create a secure living space with peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions

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