What size window is required for a basement bedroom in Ottawa?

Basement bedrooms in Ottawa must have an egress window with a minimum opening of 3.77 square feet (0.35 square meters) and no dimension less than 15 inches (380mm) wide. The window sill cannot be more than 44 inches (1.1 meters) above the basement floor.

The Ontario Building Code specifically requires that basement bedrooms have a window or exterior door that can serve as an emergency exit. This egress window must open directly to the outside or to an exterior balcony, and the opening must be large enough for occupants to escape and for emergency responders to enter. The window must be operable from the inside without requiring keys, tools, or special knowledge.

In Ottawa's climate, basement egress windows face unique challenges due to our freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads. Window wells are typically required for below-grade egress windows, and these must be properly drained and waterproofed to prevent ice buildup that could block the escape route. The window well must extend at least 8 inches beyond the window opening on all sides and be deep enough to accommodate the full window opening.

Energy efficiency is particularly important for basement windows since they're often partially below grade. Look for windows with triple-pane glass, Low-E coatings, and proper insulation around the rough opening to prevent condensation and heat loss. In Ottawa's Climate Zone 6, basement windows should meet ENERGY STAR requirements with a U-factor of 1.22 or lower.

City of Ottawa requirements may vary from the provincial code, so confirm specific requirements with Ottawa Building Services before installation. A licensed window installer will ensure your basement egress window meets all code requirements while providing proper waterproofing and insulation for Ottawa's climate conditions.

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