Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Florissant, Missouri Ranked

Adding an egress window or replacing an existing one is a critical home improvement project for any Florissant homeowner looking to create a legal, safe, and comfortable bedroom or living space in their basement. These specialized windows serve as a vital emergency escape and rescue opening, and their installation is governed by strict local and international building codes. This guide will help you understand the specific requirements for egress window wells and installations in Florissant, navigate the permit process, and find qualified local professionals to ensure your project is done correctly and safely.

Stratum Structural Systems

1950 Westgate Dr, Columbia, IL 62236

Stratum Structural Systems is an egress window contractor based in St Louis, MO, specializing in foundation repair, basement waterproofing, and the installation of egress windows. They address issues such as water intrusion, foundation cracks, settling or bowing walls, and provide services including interior and exterior drainage systems and sump pump installation. With nearly 40 years of combined experience, the team offers knowledgeable assessments and repairs following standard engineering practices to help homeowners protect their properties.

4.7

15 Reviews

Penny Window

9910 Halls Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63136

Penny Window is a window replacement company based in St. Louis, MO, serving residential and commercial clients in St. Louis, St. Charles County, and nearby areas. With over 70 years of experience since 1953, they offer a wide range of window types including double-hung, casement, sliding, bay and bow, picture, hopper, prime, and custom windows, as well as sliding glass door installation. Their services focus on enhancing home energy efficiency, curb appeal, and functionality. Penny Window is known for installing high-quality products backed by a limited lifetime warranty and employs trusted installers without subcontractors.

3.7

144 Reviews

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Understanding Egress Window Codes in Florissant

In Florissant, all basement finishing projects and the creation of habitable rooms like bedrooms must comply with the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), as adopted by the city ^{1 2}. The core purpose of an egress window is to provide a secondary means of escape in case of fire or other emergency when the primary exit is blocked. For a basement bedroom to be considered a legal sleeping area, it must have either a direct exterior walkout door or a properly sized and installed egress window ^{1 3}.

Failure to meet these codes doesn't just create a paperwork issue-it creates a serious safety hazard. A non-compliant window could trap occupants in an emergency, and it may also prevent you from legally listing the space as a bedroom, which can affect your home's value and insurability ^{1 4}. Proper installation, on the other hand, transforms a dark cellar into a bright, code-compliant living space that adds genuine functionality and value to your home.

Florissant's Specific Egress Window Requirements

The City of Florissant provides clear guidelines for egress window openings. It's essential that any window you install or any existing window you plan to use as an egress meets these minimum dimensions and operational standards ^{1 5}.

• Minimum Clear Opening: The net clear opening of the window must be at least 5.7 square feet (or 820 square inches) ^{1 6}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height ^{1 5}.
• Maximum Sill Height: The bottom (sill) of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor of the room ^{1 3}. This ensures occupants, including children and elderly individuals, can easily climb out.
• Unobstructed Operation: The window must open fully without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. Locks, if present, must be simple and operable from the inside without a key ^{5 7}.

The Critical Role of Window Wells

Most basement egress installations in Florissant will require a window well-the excavated area outside the window that allows it to open fully and provides a path to ground level. The well itself is not just a hole in the ground; it has its own set of requirements to ensure safety and functionality ^{5 8}.

• Size: The well must be large enough to allow the egress window to open to its full 90-degree position without obstruction ¹.
• Ladder or Steps: If the depth of the window well exceeds 44 inches, the code requires permanently attached ladder rungs or steps to assist in climbing out. These must project at least 3 inches from the well wall and be spaced 18 inches apart vertically ^{1 6}.
• Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water from pooling in the well and leaking into your basement. A drain connected to the foundation drainage system or another approved method is typically required ^{5 8}.

Navigating the Florissant Permit Process

Installing an egress window is not a DIY project to start without approval. The City of Florissant mandates a building permit for finishing a basement or adding an egress window, and the process is designed to ensure all work meets safety codes ^{1 2}.

1. Check Eligibility: Before applying, verify your basement space meets other habitable room requirements, such as minimum ceiling heights (generally 7 feet) ¹. 2. Apply Online: All permit applications are submitted through the city's online portal at my.florissantmo.com ^{1 2}. 3. Submit Plans: You will need to upload documents showing your project's compliance with the 2021 IRC, including details on the window size, well construction, and drainage plan ^{1 9}. 4. Separate Trade Permits: Remember, if your project involves adding electrical outlets, lighting, or plumbing for a basement bathroom, those require separate electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits ^{1 2}. 5. Fees and Inspections: Permit fees start at approximately $95 and are based on the project's estimated cost ^{1 2}. Once issued, the permit card must be displayed, and the work will need to pass required city inspections at various stages before it is finalized.

Choosing the Right Egress Window and Professional

Egress windows come in various styles, including casement (which crank open), sliding, and even in-swing models. The best choice depends on your home's foundation, the location of utilities, and your aesthetic preference. Casement windows are often preferred as they typically provide the largest clear opening relative to their frame size ^{10 11}.

The complexity of cutting through a foundation wall, excavating, installing a well with proper drainage, and ensuring perfect waterproofing makes this a job for experienced professionals. When looking for a contractor in the St. Louis and Florissant area, seek out those who specialize in basement finishing and have explicit experience with egress window installations. They should be intimately familiar with the 2021 IRC and the local Florissant permitting process. A reputable pro will handle the permit application, ensure all code dimensions are met, and guarantee a watertight installation that protects your home's structural integrity.

Project Cost Considerations

The total cost for an egress window installation in Florissant can vary widely based on factors like the type of window, the depth of excavation, the material of the window well (e.g., metal, composite, or masonry), and any unforeseen complications like rock or utility lines. Your budget should account for:

• The window unit itself.
• The window well and cover.
• Excavation and landscaping labor.
• Concrete cutting and foundation work.
• Interior finishing (trim, drywall repair).
• Permit fees.
• Potential costs for separate trades like an electrician if adding new lighting in the well or room ^{2 10 11}.

While it's a significant investment, a correctly installed egress window adds safety, legal compliance, natural light, and ventilation, fundamentally enhancing the usability and value of your basement space.

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