Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Elgin, Illinois Ranked

Installing or replacing an egress window is a critical home improvement project that enhances safety, adds legal living space, and increases your home's value. These specialized windows provide a secondary means of escape in an emergency, such as a fire, and are required by building codes for any basement bedroom or sleeping area. For Elgin homeowners, navigating the specific size requirements, permit process, and installation details can be complex. This guide provides the essential information you need to understand the process and connect with qualified local professionals who can ensure your project meets all safety and legal standards.

Porcayo's Custom Window Well Covers

chicago

Porcayo's Custom Window Well Covers in Chicago, IL specializes in custom-built window well covers, egress window installations, and window repairs. They offer durable, weather-resistant covers tailored to fit any window well size, including custom metal grates and clear polycarbonate options. Their services include permit handling, installation, maintenance, and replacement of basement windows and window wells, serving residential customers across Chicagoland and nearby areas.

5.0

74 Reviews

U.S. Waterproofing

81 Remington Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

U.S. Waterproofing is a family-operated egress window contractor based in Chicago, IL, specializing in basement waterproofing and foundation repair. They provide comprehensive solutions including window wells with custom covers and drainage systems designed for Midwest soil and weather conditions. Serving residential properties throughout the greater Midwest area, they bring over 65 years of experience to protect homes from water damage and foundation issues.

4.6

1.4k Reviews

Continental Window & Glass

4311 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Continental Window & Glass is a family-owned window replacement and sliding glass door company located in Chicago, IL. Established in 1989, they manufacture high-quality vinyl windows and patio doors using advanced German and Italian machinery. Their product range includes double-hung, sliding, awning, bay, casement, custom-shaped, and glass block windows, as well as patio doors. They specialize in energy-efficient Eco-Thermal vinyl windows with weather-tight seals and options like Low-E glass with Argon gas to improve insulation.

4.2

107 Reviews

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Understanding Egress Window Requirements in Elgin

An egress window is not just any basement window. It is a life-saving exit designed to be large enough for a firefighter with full gear to enter and for occupants to escape. In Elgin, these installations must comply with the Illinois State Plumbing Code and the International Residential Code (IRC), which have been adopted locally ^{1 2}. The core purpose is to provide a safe secondary escape route from sleeping rooms, especially in below-grade spaces like finished basements.

The requirements are precise. For a window to qualify as an egress opening, it must meet four key dimensional criteria ^{1 2 3 4}:

• Minimum Opening Area: 5.7 square feet of net clear opening for windows below grade. If the window is at ground level (grade), the minimum is 5.0 square feet.
• Minimum Width: 20 inches.
• Minimum Height: 24 inches.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening must be no more than 44 inches above the finished floor inside the room.

Furthermore, the window must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It should open fully and easily to allow for a quick exit ^{3 5}. It's important to note that if you are creating a legal bedroom in your basement, each sleeping room requires its own compliant egress window or door ⁶.

The Crucial Role of Window Wells

Most basement egress installations require a window well-a dug-out area outside the window that provides space for the window to open and for a person to climb out. Elgin and Illinois codes have specific rules for these wells too ^{1 2 7 8}.

• Minimum Size: The well must have a minimum horizontal dimension (projection from the house) of 36 inches and a width of 36 inches, providing at least 9 square feet of total area.
• Ladder or Steps: This is a critical safety feature. If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches below the adjacent grade, a permanently attached ladder or steps are mandatory. These steps must not obstruct the window's opening and must be designed for safe egress ^{7 8}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage at the bottom of the well is essential to prevent water from pooling and leaking into your basement. A professional installer will ensure this is addressed, often with gravel and a drain tile connected to your foundation drainage system.

Navigating the Elgin Permit Process

One of the most important steps in an egress window project is obtaining the proper permit from the City of Elgin. A permit is required any time you are replacing a window with a different size, enlarging an opening, or installing a new egress window where one didn't exist ^{9 10}. This process ensures the work is done safely and to code, protecting your investment and your family.

The general steps for securing an egress window permit in Elgin are as follows ^{9 10 11}:

1. Apply: Contact the City of Elgin's Development Services group. You can call 311 for guidance or visit their official website for the quick permit application process.
2. Submit Plans: You will need to provide basic floor plans showing the existing and proposed window sizes, room dimensions, and the property lines. You must also indicate if there will be any structural framing changes (like enlarging an opening or installing a header).
3. Pay Fees: Permit fees are based on the project's valuation and complexity. For egress window work, fees can range significantly.
4. Schedule Inspection: Once work is complete, you or your contractor must schedule a required final inspection with the city to get the project officially approved.

Cost Considerations for Egress Window Projects

The total cost of an egress window project in Elgin can vary widely based on several factors. It's more than just the price of the window itself. Key cost drivers include:

• Permit Fees: As mentioned, permit fees can range from $50 to over $500, depending on the project's scope and valuation. Projects involving structural changes to enlarge an opening will typically incur higher fees ^{9 10 12}.
• Installation Complexity: Is the contractor cutting through a poured concrete foundation or block walls? Does the project require extensive excavation for a deep window well? Is a custom-sized window needed? Each of these factors adds labor and material costs.
• Window and Well Materials: The type of window (vinyl, wood, composite) and the material for the window well (corrugated metal, polymer, masonry) will affect the price.
• Additional Work: Installing a permanent ladder or steps, adding a well cover, and ensuring proper drainage and waterproofing are all essential items that contribute to the final cost.

While basic window replacement might be on the lower end, a full egress window installation that involves cutting a new opening, installing a well with a ladder, and completing all finishing work can cost significantly more. It's important to get detailed quotes that break down all these components.

Special Considerations and Safety Notes

Beyond the basic size and permit rules, there are other important code points to keep in mind for your Elgin project:

• Tempered Glass: If the new egress window is installed in a hazardous location-such as within a tub or shower enclosure, or adjacent to a door where it could be impacted-the glass must be safety-rated or tempered glass ^{9 5}.
• Security Bars and Covers: Many homeowners want the security of bars or covers over basement windows. These are permissible on egress windows only if they are operable from the inside without a key, tool, or special knowledge. They must open freely to not impede escape ⁵.
• Professional vs. DIY: Given the structural, safety, and legal implications, egress window installation is not typically a DIY project. Incorrect installation can lead to water damage, structural issues, and a failure to pass inspection, leaving your basement room non-compliant and unsafe.

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