Bedroom windows can make an impactful statement about a room. To stand out, they need to look good while providing ample illumination and being energy efficient.
Egress windows are mandated by law to provide quick escape routes in case of emergencies and must meet National Building Code Commission standards.
Egress windows
Egress windows in bedrooms are an essential feature that must be present in every home. Not only can they offer an emergency exit route in case of an accident, but also are necessary to meet stringent regulatory standards set out by the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC). When installing an egress window it should meet these regulations for proper functioning and meet NBCC regulations. If installing one yourself be sure that its specs adhere to those set by NBCC.
Egress windows must provide unobstructed openings larger than 0.35 square meters (3.77 square feet) with dimensions no smaller than 380mm (15″). They should also be capable of maintaining their required opening in an emergency without needing additional support from outside sources. It’s important to keep in mind that building codes may differ across provinces, so before proceeding with your project it is wise to consult your local authority first.
Homeowners typically have questions regarding egress window installation requirements and regulations. Depending on your province, requirements may include sill height, minimum opening size and percentage of light allowed in a room. If unsure, consulting a window company or doing research online might help provide more clarity.
As well as meeting egress window requirements, bedroom windows must also be easy to use and operate. They shouldn’t require special hardware, tools or keys in order to open. Security bars may be installed atop egress windows as long as they do not extend higher than 1.5 metres above the floor.
At present, most residential homes in Canada meet the minimum requirements for egress windows. Older houses may not comply with this standard, making it imperative to upgrade with new ones for safety purposes. Consult your window and door supplier for further information about egress windows; they are an invaluable investment that will not only increase property values but provide safer living environments as well. The two most commonly-used styles for egress windows are slider and casement styles offering good energy efficiency and ventilation capabilities.
Unobstructed openings
Windows are essential components of the bedroom, providing natural light into the space while creating an open atmosphere. Furthermore, windows act as escape routes in emergencies – thus, they should be easily accessible from both inside and outside. When selecting windows for your home, ensure they meet local building codes as well as being insulated to reduce energy costs while remaining comfortable for sleeping in.
To meet the standards for bedroom windows, they must offer an unobstructed opening of at least 0.35m2 (3.77 sq ft), with no dimension smaller than 380mm (15″). Furthermore, during an emergency they should remain stable without needing extra support from outside sources.
Before embarking on any renovation projects to ensure your bedroom windows comply with Ontario Building Code standards, it’s best to seek advice from an expert. They can recommend specific window types that will complement the style of your room as well as provide permits and drawings if required.
As part of your renovation project, when choosing furniture layout in the room it is also essential that windows remain unobstructed by them. Avoid placing furniture directly in front of windows as this blocks natural light and could present a fire hazard; opt for a headboard which sits lower than window sill so that you can still enjoy views while receiving enough sun to sleep comfortably.
Casement windows offer excellent ventilation while reducing air conditioning costs, while double-hung windows have two sashes that slide vertically for maximum ventilation and are more energy-efficient than other window types. Bow and bay windows add visual interest while providing ample natural lighting.
Accessibility
When selecting windows for your bedroom, there are numerous choices available to you. Your personal taste and size of space will ultimately decide the window best suited to you. In general, the ideal windows would provide ample sunlight while still being easily accessible in case of emergency – to meet these criteria consider:
Building codes outline legal window sizes and specify minimum window dimensions in each bedroom or area of a home. For instance, basement bedroom windows must offer unobstructed opening of 0.35m2 (3.77 sq ft), no smaller than 380mm (15″). To maintain this opening during an emergency without additional support.
To ensure that your bedroom windows meet code-compliant standards, consider double or triple-pane casement windows. They’re easy to operate, providing natural light while simultaneously reducing noise levels and insulate your bedroom space from outside noises. They also look beautiful with wide glass areas providing unobstructed views outside and stylish custom frames available in multiple colors – white as well as cool light tones to perfectly complement the color scheme in your bedroom!
Energy efficiency
Winter in Canada can be long, bitterly cold and expensive if your windows don’t meet certain specifications. Without windows that meet this threshold, heating costs will likely skyrocket year-round, which won’t benefit either your comfort nor wallet.
Energy-efficient bedroom windows are an effective way to protect your space while saving money. Consider selecting dual or tri-pane windows equipped with Low-E glass to keep warm air from leaving in summer and cold air from entering in winter, respectively. In addition, look for windows with high visible transmittance (VT) ratings to bring natural light without letting in too much heat or solar gain.
Look for windows certified ENERGY STAR-rated to ensure you’re receiving top-of-the-line energy efficiency products. The ENERGY STAR symbol, recognized by the US government, certifies products as meeting certain energy efficiency guidelines. Your local Marvin dealer can help you select windows based on orientation, window size/amount and solar heat gain considerations as well as National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) ratings which take more factors into consideration with each style of window product before purchase.