Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide to Egress Window installation, code compliance, and safety.
Click on any question below to reveal the answer.
The TrueFrame™ is a revolutionary, all-in-one vinyl unit designed specifically for basement egress. It is a fusion-welded system where the window frame and the foundation buck (the sleeve installed into the concrete opening) are integrated into a single, seamless, vinyl-clad component.
This single-unit design eliminates joints, reduces failure points, and significantly improves water management compared to traditional methods that use separate wood bucks.
| Feature | TrueFrame™ Integrated System | Traditional Wood-Framed Window |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Fusion-welded Vinyl (integrated buck and frame) | Wood Buck (separate material) and a separate vinyl/metal window |
| Water Resistance | Superior. Seamless vinyl is impermeable to water. | Poor. Wood is porous, absorbs moisture, and rots over time. |
| Longevity | Decades. Highly durable, immune to rot, mold, and insects. | Limited. Wood eventually rots, swells, and fails, compromising the seal. |
| Thermal Performance | Excellent, as it creates a thermal break between the concrete and the interior. | Varies widely; wood often transfers thermal energy, leading to inefficiency. |
| Installation | Simplified, precise one-unit installation into the concrete opening. | Requires multiple steps: installing the wood buck, waterproofing the wood, and then installing the window. |
Wood is vulnerable to two major threats in a below-grade environment: moisture and insects. When a traditional egress window is installed, the wood buck is exposed to ground moisture and humidity, leading to:
- Rot: The wood degrades, creating paths for water intrusion and structural weakness.
- Seal Failure: As the wood expands and contracts with moisture, it breaks the seal between the window and the concrete.
- Pest Infestation: Wet wood is a primary attractant for termites and carpenter ants, potentially compromising your foundation.
The TrueFrame™ system bypasses these issues completely by using non-porous, fusion-welded vinyl in direct contact with the foundation, guaranteeing a longer-lasting, watertight seal.
Yes, absolutely. The TrueFrame™ system is engineered and manufactured to meet or exceed all current minimum requirements set by the International Residential Code (IRC) for emergency escape and rescue openings, including the minimum net clear opening area, height, width, and sill height requirements.
Our preferred TrueFrame™ windows are typically designed as a Tilt & Inswing model. This dual action is safer than crank-out models because:
- Tilt: Allows for secure, top-only ventilation.
- Inswing: The window fully swings into the room for a clear, unobstructed exit, ensuring the window never creates a dangerous obstacle in the window well outside.
We install Egress Tilt & Inswing windows with tempered glass. Our windows are designed for ease and speed, featuring a single handle (never a crank out) that opens into the room. The screen is designed to slide side to side.
A typical installation is completed in one day.
Yes! At TrueFrame™ Egress Windows, we install all year long.
Our trained team of installers hand-dig every installation to protect your home and landscaping. We also contact 811 prior to installation to locate underground utilities.
The clear opening must be 5.7 square feet with minimum dimensions of 24 inches high and 20 inches wide. The window height (sill) must be between 18 inches and 44 inches from the interior floor.
Yes. Local building departments enforce the IRC residential code, which requires a permit when installing an egress window system.
The team at MyEgress can help guide you through the process, or you can contact an architect. We will work with your local town & village building department to secure permits and inspections.
Yes. We have specialized tools, including a cut & break saw with diamond blades, for cutting both poured concrete and cinder block foundations.
Yes. A code-compliant egress window system and a properly finished/inspected basement will create additional legal living space, which significantly increases home value.
Costs typically range from $6,000 to $9,000, depending on the style, size, and any specific obstacles encountered on your property.
Yes! In addition to safety, the tilt functionality of our windows provides fresh air and sunshine, which helps combat musty basement smells and humidity.
Yes! We are experienced in both repairing and replacing existing egress window systems.
During the estimate, we walk your property to locate the spot that makes the most sense to meet code and ensure the least amount of obstacles (including utilities).
No, a Bilco door typically does not qualify as an egress window escape, as it is designed for exterior access, not life-safety escape from a basement living area. However, we can convert your Bilco opening to an egress window or a basement walkout.
No, for safety reasons and code compliance, an egress exit cannot open into another room, it must exit directly into the outdoors.
Yes. We can assess the crack and proceed with the installation, often integrating crack repair into the project if needed.
We are waterproofing and water management experts, ensuring your new egress system is fully sealed and protected against moisture intrusion.
No, we can create a new opening anywhere along the basement wall that complies with code and makes sense for your property.
An egress window alone meets only the life-safety requirement. You will typically need to complete other work (e.g., proper insulation, ceiling height, etc.) and obtain inspections to fully legalize your basement space.
Estimates are always free, but the education on safety and value we provide is priceless!
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