We all assume a bedroom has a window, but few understand the stringent life-saving rules behind it. If you are buying, remodeling, or converting a space into a bedroom in Arizona, there’s one detail you can’t overlook: egress window requirements.
These windows offer life-saving features that every homeowner should understand. It is essential to include the right egress window size and whether a closet is required in Arizona bedrooms.
What Is an Egress Window
An egress window is simply a window large enough for someone to escape through in case of an emergency, such as a fire. Firefighters can also use these windows to enter if needed.
In Arizona, every bedroom must have a safe, accessible exit route other than the main door. That’s where egress windows come in. They’re a vital safety feature and a key part of building codes.
Bedroom Egress Requirements in Arizona
While Arizona follows the International Residential Code (IRC), local jurisdictions (like Phoenix, Mesa, and Prescott) may have their own variations. Still, the basics remain the same across most areas.
Here’s what’s typically required for bedroom egress windows:
- Minimum Opening Width: 20 inches
- Minimum Opening Height: 24 inches
- Minimum Net Clear Opening Area: 5.7 square feet (for floors above ground level)
- Minimum Net Clear Opening for Ground Floors: 5.0 square feet
- Maximum Sill Height: 44 inches above the floor
These measurements ensure that a person can easily fit through the window in an emergency.
Basement Bedrooms and Egress Window Requirements
If you’re converting a basement into a bedroom, the window egress requirements apply just the same. Every sleeping area must have a properly sized egress window or exterior door.
For below-grade spaces, additional details matter:
- The window must open into a window well that provides at least 9 square feet of floor area.
- The well must extend at least 36 inches out from the wall.
- If the window well is deeper than 44 inches, a permanent ladder or steps must be installed for escape.
Even in Arizona, where basements are less common, these rules apply for safety and code approval.
Common Issues with Egress Windows in Arizona Homes
Even with clear codes, many older or remodeled homes in Arizona have bedrooms that don’t meet egress requirements. Here’s what inspectors commonly find:
- Windows that don’t open fully or are painted shut.
- Sill heights that exceed the 44-inch limit.
- Bars, grilles, or security screens that block escape routes.
- Basement windows with undersized window wells or no ladder.
If you’re unsure whether your home’s windows meet the bedroom window egress requirements, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspection.
Why Egress Compliance Matters
It’s not just about passing code, it’s about protecting lives. During a fire, smoke can fill a room in seconds. Having an appropriately sized and accessible egress window can mean the difference between getting out safely and being trapped.
Home appraisers and inspectors also flag non-compliant bedrooms. If you’re selling your home, missing or undersized egress windows can affect value and delay transactions.
Choosing the Right Egress Window Size
When shopping for windows, make sure to match both safety and style. The bedroom egress window size depends on your wall height, room design, and whether the window opens horizontally or vertically.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Casement windows (side-hinged) often meet egress requirements with smaller openings because the entire sash opens outward.
- Slider windows need a wider frame to achieve the same clear area.
- Double-hung windows must have both sashes fully operable and provide the required 5.7 sq. ft. of open space.
Working with a qualified window installer ensures your new windows are both code-compliant and energy efficient.
Final Thoughts
Meeting egress window requirements for bedrooms is about keeping your home safe, functional, and ready for any situation. It ensures every sleeping space has a secure, accessible escape route when it matters most.
Ignoring egress window requirements can affect your home’s compliance during an inspection or sale. That’s why it is smart to have your property evaluated by professionals who understand both local building standards and practical safety needs.
Schedule an inspection, and the experts of Advantage Inspection Service will ensure whether your bedrooms and living spaces are up to code and built for safety, or if you need some upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “net clear opening” for an egress window?
The unobstructed area left when the window is opened to its maximum limit. It is the crucial measurement used to ensure a person can fit through it.
Why is the 44-inch sill height limit necessary for the egress window?
It ensures that the window sill is not too high for an occupant, including children, to climb out quickly in an emergency without needing a stool or ladder.
Can I install security bars on an egress window?
Yes, but only if the bars have approved quick-release hardware that allows them to be opened or removed from the inside without using any tools or keys.
What are the common window styles that meet egress requirements?
Casement (crank-out) and Single-Hung or Sliding windows (when sized much larger than average) are common, but they must be specifically measured to meet the minimum 20 in. width, 24 in. height, and 5.7 SF area simultaneously.