While “egress window” is often thought of as a specific type of window, it’s actually not a window style — it’s a function. An egress window is any window that’s designed to serve as an emergency exit (especially when located below grade), providing a safe and accessible escape route in case of fire or other emergencies.
What makes a window an “egress” window isn’t its design but its size and opening capacity, ensuring it meets building code requirements for safe exit.
Egress windows can come in a variety of styles, including:
No matter the style, for a window to qualify as an egress window in Ontario, it must meet specific size requirements to provide enough space for a person to exit quickly and safely. It’s not just about style — it’s about safety, compliance, and peace of mind.
At EcoTech Windows & Doors, we offer a wide range of egress window styles, all built to withstand Canada’s extreme weather while keeping your home safe, energy-efficient, and comfortable. Our expert team ensures your egress windows meet local building codes without sacrificing style or performance.
Simply put, it’s an escape window leading outside that is often installed in basements or bedrooms when there is no exterior door available in the event of an emergency. It should be easy for anyone to open from the inside, and not require the use of keys, tools or special knowledge.
To qualify as an egress window, it must provide an unobstructed opening, and – if located below grade – must have a window-well that is large enough for a person to escape into. These requirements are listed in the National Building Code of Canada and each province may have additional requirements. It’s best to speak with a product specialists for the most accurate information.
Casement, hung, and sliding windows are considered the best options for egress or basement windows because they meet the critical requirements for emergency escape and rescue.
These styles typically provide large, unobstructed openings that comply with building code standards for minimum width, height, and clear opening area.
Casement windows swing open fully, offering easy access, while double-hung and single-hung windows allow the bottom sash to open completely, creating a clear exit path. Sliding windows, when designed to meet egress requirements, provide a wide opening with minimal effort. Additionally, these styles are easy to operate from the inside, even in emergencies, making them safe and practical choices for egress situations.
In Ontario, the requirements for egress or basement windows are outlined in the Ontario Building Code. These requirements ensure that windows provide a safe and accessible means of escape in case of an emergency, such as a fire. Below are the key requirements for egress or basement windows as per the Ontario Building Code:
The sill height of the basement window must not be more than 1,000 mm (39.4 inches) above the floor. This ensures the egress window is low enough for occupants, including elderly or children, to easily climb out in an emergency.
All egress or basement windows must not be obstructed by bars, grilles, or other fixtures – unless they are easily removable from the interior without tools.
If the basement includes a bedroom, at least one egress window must be provided in that bedroom that meets the above requirements.
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Elevate your space with our vinyl casings, a blend of contemporary design and lasting performance that effortlessly complements any decor.
Crafted with precision and warmth, our wood casings embrace timeless elegance, adding a touch of natural beauty to every space.
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Experience the difference with EcoSmart Technology.
Let visible light in and warm your home naturally with insulated frames from EcoTech. Enjoy greater comfort while reducing your energy consumption.
Our vinyl windows feature 100% non-recycled UPVC frames with 26 multi-chambers and 70-thousandths-inch thick walls for enhanced durability and energy efficiency. Sliding, casement, and hung windows are also available, offering the same high-quality performance.
EcoSmart vinyl windows feature the innovative Roto X-DRIVE corner driver, which locks the window sash at the top and corners for improved security and performance. You’ll hear an audible "click" to confirm the window is securely locked. For an alternative, our horizontal sliding windows also offer reliable security and smooth operation.
Our windows feature high-performance sputter-coated low-E glass made from 12 exotic metals for superior clarity and performance. EcoSmart is the best choice for vinyl replacement windows, and our vinyl window replacement options offer the same exceptional quality.
Vinyl windows use neoprene bulb seals with UV-resistant stabilizers and a low freezing point, ensuring long-lasting elasticity and maximizing the lifespan of the weatherproof seal. For an alternative, our sliding window installation also provides durable, weather-resistant solutions.
Vinyl windows offer high-quality design and construction, featuring robust corners without indented weld points and sleek, clean lines. For a different style, our sliding windows also provide superior craftsmanship and a polished look.
EcoSmart windows feature foam-filled chambers that enhance sound reduction and overall performance. Our hung, sliding and casement windows also incorporate these advanced features for improved energy efficiency and comfort.
Our 100% non-recycled UPVC frames and sashes feature 26 multi-chambers and 70-thousandths-inch thick walls, ensuring durability. These materials are also used in our vinyl windows for enhanced performance.
EcoSmart windows feature the Roto X-Drive operator with x10 lock-out handles for effortless operation.
EcoSmart vinyl windows are crafted using state-of-the-art technology and the best industry practices. Our hung and sliding windows are also built with the same precision and advanced techniques for superior quality and performance.
Experience authentic triple-pane performance. Each ECOSMART window is designed to support optimal glazing solutions, and our sliding window installation ensures the same high-quality performance and energy efficiency.
Enjoy superior sound resistance with Hung windows, featuring the Super Spacer® Premium Plus, which offers low thermal conductivity for enhanced performance.
ECOSMART windows meet the stringent NAFS-22 standards, thanks to our proprietary steel-reinforced mullion system. Our sliding window replacement options also incorporate this advanced technology for enhanced durability and performance.
The key to excellent thermal insulation in these windows is the gap between the glass panes. For optimal performance, the ideal gap is 1/2″, which requires a total thickness of 7/8″ for double glazing and 1 1/4″ or 1-3/8″ for triple glazing. Many systems available today do not meet these standards, making our casement windows Canada options stand out in terms of energy efficiency.
We offer interior Low-E coating options for both our Energy-gain and Sun-shield packages, designed to meet varying customer needs. These coatings provide benefits ranging from energy gain to enhanced R-value and UV-blocking features, ensuring your basement window replacement delivers top performance with different Low-E glass combinations.
Join EcoTech product specialist Francesco as he takes you through everything you need to know about EcoSmart casement-style egress windows.
From high-performance hardware to sleek design, he will explore why casement-style basement windows are a great choice for your home.
Illuminate your home with natural light while enjoying a clear view of the outdoors. Our Low-E coating technology maximizes sunlight while minimizing harmful UV rays, creating a brighter, more comfortable space.
Thanks to our EcoSmart technology, EcoTech windows maintain a warmer interior, preventing condensation by evenly distributing humidity across the pane. No matter the weather, your windows will stay clear and comfortable.
Enhance your home’s appeal and energy efficiency with durable, reliable egress basement window replacements. These upgrades not only brighten and secure your home but also increase its value in today’s competitive real estate market.
Discover our flexible financing options by scheduling a free estimate. One of our product specialists will visit your home, assess your window replacement requirements, and guide you through the financing application process step by step.
After providing your free estimate and submitting your financing application to the lender, our team works diligently to ensure swift approval. We excel at finding solutions for all types of window replacement situations.
Once your financing application is approved, we’ll begin manufacturing your custom windows and doors and arrange your installation date. With an affordable monthly payment, you’ll enjoy the comfort and style of your new windows and doors for years to come.
EcoSmart combines the latest design trends, materials, and innovations to make the most durable & energy efficient windows on the market today.
“We are very happy with the work done at our home. They helped us decide the type of windows that would work best and the team that installed the windows and the patio door were quick, clean and very professional. I can definitely recommend this company with no reservations.”
Andy A.
“They did an amazing job installing our windows and front door. They were fast and efficient and cleaned up the inside and outside of the house as soon as the install was done. Thanks again for the great work Andrey! We love the new windows and how it changed the look of our house.”
Sue Y.
“The team from EcoTech was really great to work with! From the start of the process to the end everything was taken care of. Paid attention to all the details and the job was done quickly and very efficient. We will definitely be using EcoTech again! Thank you for the great experience.”
Christina L.
“A well run business that take care of everything for you. A sales person comes to the home to get personalized information and gets the order process going. We had a front door installed and it took a few hours but it was an exceptional job. Looks great and they made sure everything was resolved to 5-star satisfaction.”
Kerina T.
“Omg! These guys were awesome! They arrived right on the time they said they would, Great workmanship, friendly disposition.They cleaned up everything when the job was done. I highly recommend these guys and will be calling them back to do my windows at the back of my house! Thanks guys GREAT JOB!!!!”
Ken S.
“We love our new windows and doors! They are built extremely well and they look great! The installation crew was top notch! Very professional and extremely efficient. I can’t say enough good things about our experience. I’d definitely buy windows from EcoTech again, but I will probably never have too!”
Chris H.
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