A wide variety of window designs can be used for egress windows. You should select a window design that meets your architectural, aesthetic, space, and financial limitations. (Dimensions shown are for illustrative purposes only.)
Casement windows with hinged sashes that swing free and clear of the opening can be relatively small and still meet egress requirements. This makes them ideal for basement egress and for other areas where space is limited.
Some manufacturers can install a special operator arm that allows the window to open wider than the standard operating arm to meet egress requirements. Others have an operator arm that can be pushed to open the window wider in an emergency. These meet egress requirements as long as you leave the "Push Here" label in place.
Glider or slider windows have sashes that fill nearly half the possible window opening. They require a window nearly twice the size of a casement window.
Even when it's fully open, more than half of a double-hung window's overall area is blocked by glass. This means that to meet egress window height requirements, a window must be nearly 4 feet and 9 inches in overall height. This height requirement makes it undesirable for most basement egress situations.
Awning windows are problematic. Since the opened sash prevents escape from most window wells, they're unsuitable for basement egress. And with most awning windows, the center opening hardware and height don't meet egress requirements. Some manufacturers offer models with special detachable operators that meet egress requirements.
