Egress window wells
are required to meet IRC codes to allow for the safe exit from a
home in case of an emergency. Window well covers should be
custom fit to prevent falls from above, and Windowbubble.com
manufactures well built and secure window well covers.
Unfortunately, home emergencies do
occur, and there is no time for complicated egress from a
basement in an urgent situation. Basement egress is the ability
for occupants to exit from the basement by a means other than
the inside stairway. Lives have been lost, and injuries have
occurred under these circumstances because of the lack of
suitable egress or improper window well coverage.
Egress window wells must meet IRC
(International Residential Code) requirements for the safety of
the inhabitants of a house. The code states that basements with
livable space, and every sleeping room should have an emergency
escape; a door or accessible window. An egress window well
should have an area of nine square feet with a horizontal
projection of thirty-six inches. It is not only necessary for
the safe escape of occupants, but it allows for emergency crews
to enter the basement easily if needed. The opening of the
egress window well to the outside must have a window well cover
that is easily opened without the use of special tools.
Having a well fitted and strong
cover over the basement window well is as important as having a
proper egress from the basement. In addition to keeping out
debris, dirt, and rain, a professionally fitted window well
cover can prevent dangerous falls from above. Wildlife, domestic
animals, children and even adults have been reported to have
fallen into unprotected basement window wells. These covers also
keep out snow which can build up in the wells and prevent
windows from opening.
Here is a photo of window well
covers installed in Minnesota. The wells are 7' deep and 12 and
13 feet long. As you can see by the photos, his wells are now
covered, yet remain protected by the window well covers. The two
right domes are hinged with hydraulic lifters.

The Window Bubble by Dilworth
Manufacturing Company custom fits basement window well covers
for metal, wood, and masonry window wells. They protect from the
elements, as well as being strong enough to protect from falls
from above. Windowbubble.com has a lifetime guarantee for their
window well covers, and they adhere to all egress safety
standards.
Bio: Grace Enderlein is a freelance writer and editor.
"Egress Window Wells Save Lives if Properly Protected" notes the
importance meeting IRC requirements for safe basement egress.
Windowbubble.com offers custom basement window well covers.
DILWORTH MFG. CO. P.O. BOX 158 HONEY BROOK, PA 19344-0158
PHONE: 717-354-8956 FAX: 717-355-0511
www.windowbubble.com