Top Egress Window Replacement & Installation in Tulsa, Oklahoma Ranked

An egress window is a critical safety feature required for any basement or bedroom, providing a large, easy-to-open escape route in an emergency. In Tulsa, installing or replacing these emergency escape and rescue openings involves navigating specific building codes, securing permits, and often modifying your home's foundation. This guide explains the local requirements, process, and considerations for Tulsa homeowners to ensure their project is safe, legal, and successful.

OneSource Windows & Doors

2500 W Albany St, Broken Arrow, OK 74012

OneSource Windows & Doors is a window replacement company and sliding glass door installer based in Tulsa, OK. They specialize in custom windows and doors of any style, size, or shape, offering solutions tailored to fit a variety of homes. Their products focus on energy efficiency and sustainable building practices, combining innovative design with attention to detail.

4.6

11 Reviews

See more providers in Tulsa, OK

Understanding Tulsa's Egress Window Codes

Tulsa's building regulations are based on the International Residential Code (IRC), which sets the national standard for emergency escape openings ¹. These rules are not suggestions-they are mandatory for creating a legally habitable bedroom or living space in a basement. The primary purpose is to allow occupants, including firefighters with equipment, to exit and enter the room quickly during a fire or other crisis.

The code specifies four key requirements for the window itself:

1. Minimum Opening Size: The net clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet (820 square inches). If the window is at or below ground level, the minimum is 5.0 square feet (720 square inches) ^{1 2 3}.
2. Minimum Dimensions: The opening must be at least 20 inches wide AND 24 inches high. These are net dimensions, meaning the space you can actually crawl through after the window is open ^{1 4 5}.
3. Maximum Sill Height: The bottom of the clear opening cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor ^{1 3 6}. This ensures occupants, including children, can climb out.
4. Operability: The window must open fully from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. It cannot be painted or nailed shut ^{2 7}.

The Crucial Role of Window Wells

For below-grade basement installations, a window well is an integral part of the egress system. It creates the exterior space needed to meet the size requirements and provides a safe path to ground level. Tulsa code also regulates these wells:

• Minimum Clear Area: The well must provide at least 9 square feet of clear, level area at the window ^{8 5}.
• Minimum Dimensions: The well must be at least 36 inches wide and project at least 36 inches from the foundation wall ^{1 8}.
• Ladder or Steps: If the well depth exceeds 44 inches, permanent steps or a ladder are required. Ladder rungs must be between 12 and 18 inches from the wall and be at least 3 inches deep ^{1 8}.

The Tulsa Permit Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing an egress window in Tulsa almost always requires a building permit, as it involves altering your home's structure and envelope. Skipping this step can result in fines, forced removal, and problems when you sell your home. Here's what to expect:

1. Pre-Application Research: Before anything else, contact the City of Tulsa Building Department to confirm the current adopted code version and obtain the specific application checklist for emergency escape openings ^{9 10 11}.

2. Plan Preparation: You will need to submit detailed plans. For a simple above-grade replacement, this may be minimal. For a basement cut-out, it's extensive and typically requires:

• Site Plan: Shows the property lines, house location, and where the new window will be placed ¹¹.
• Floor Plan: Details the room where the window is located, showing its use (e.g., bedroom) and the window's dimensions relative to the floor ¹⁰.
• Structural Drawings: This is the most critical part for basement projects. Cutting into a concrete foundation requires an engineered solution to maintain your home's structural integrity. You will likely need to hire a licensed structural engineer to produce these drawings ^{9 12 10}.

3. Application Submission: Submit your completed application forms, all required plans, and pay the associated fees to the Building Department ^{12 7}.

4. Inspections: Once the permit is issued, the city will mandate inspections at key stages-typically after the foundation is cut and again after the window and well are fully installed ^{9 10}.

Cost Considerations for Tulsa Homeowners

The total investment for an egress window project extends far beyond the price of the window unit. It's essential to budget for all components:

• Permit Fees: In Tulsa, permit fees for this type of work can range from approximately $50 to $500, depending on the project's valuation and complexity ^{9 12}.
• Professional Engineering: This is a significant and non-negotiable cost for basement installations. Structural engineers typically charge $100 to $200 per hour for the site assessment, calculations, and creation of stamped drawings ^{9 12 13}.
• Window & Well Kit: The products themselves vary widely in material (vinyl, fiberglass, wood) and quality. A basic egress window and well kit can start around $500, while larger, more durable systems can cost $2,000 or more ^{1 8 13}.
• Labor & Installation: This is often the largest cost. It involves excavation, precise concrete cutting, structural reinforcement (like adding a steel lintel), waterproofing, installation of the window and well, backfilling, and final grading. Labor costs are highly dependent on the soil conditions, accessibility, and depth of the excavation.

Choosing the Right Egress Window Style

Several window styles can be designed to meet egress requirements. The best choice depends on your basement layout, well design, and personal preference.

• Casement Windows: A very popular choice for egress. They are hinged on the side and crank open to provide the full clear opening, often meeting size requirements with a smaller overall frame.
• Double-Hung Windows: To meet code, double-hungs must be large enough so that when the bottom sash is fully raised and the top sash fully lowered, the combined opening meets the minimum dimensions. This often requires a very large window.
• Sliding Windows: Like double-hungs, both panels must be operable, and the combined open space must meet code. They offer a low sill height, which can be advantageous.
• In-Swing Egress Windows: These are specialty units designed specifically for basements. They feature a full-length piano hinge and swing inward, creating a massive, unobstructed opening that easily exceeds code minimums.

Why Professional Installation is Highly Recommended

While a skilled DIYer might handle an above-grade egress window replacement, a below-grade installation is a major construction project. Professional installers bring expertise in:

• Code Compliance: They know Tulsa's specific interpretations of the IRC and permit process.
• Structural Integrity: They understand how to properly support the foundation opening.
• Waterproofing: Improper sealing is the leading cause of basement leaks post-installation. Pros use proper drainage mats, sealants, and flashing techniques.
• Efficiency: They have the tools and crew to complete the excavation, installation, and cleanup efficiently and safely.

Frequently asked questions

Sources