MySanDiego
MySanDiego
  • Home
  • Columns
    • Ask the Paint Pro
    • Made in San Diego
    • Consumer Insights
    • Window Shopping with Michal
  • Business Directory
  • Add Your Business
  • Advertise
  • My Account
  • Contact Us

Decoding Replacement Window Language: Egress Windows

by Michal Bohm    2 min read     August 26, 2019

Decoding Replacement Window Language: Egress Windows


This article is the seventh in a series of 15 articles where we “decode” some of the industry terms surrounding replacement windows. Stay tuned for upcoming posts that we hope will help educate San Diego homeowners and allow them to make more informed decisions.

An egress window is one of those things that most San Diego homeowners have probably heard of, but maybe aren’t quite sure what exactly they are. Unless you’re in the construction industry, there’s no need to understand the technicalities of an egress window, but it is helpful to know, in general, what the term means, especially if you’re a homeowner who’s interested in making upgrades to your home’s windows.

Egress windows are not a specific type of window like a sliding window or a single hung window, rather they are any windows that meet the very specific regulations found in the California Building Code that pertain to fire safety. Basically, an egress window is any window that is large enough to be used as an emergency exit. It must be able to be easily opened from the inside without anything blocking the opening, such as bars or grates, and must not necessitate any special tools or keys, or a substantial amount of force to open.

Where are Egress Windows Required in a Home?

San Diego homes are required to have egress windows in all bedrooms. However, homeowners may be able to get around this requirement if their home was built before the regulations were put in place. If you live in one of those San Diego homes that is not under current regulations, you can typically replace your current window with a new one of the same size. But if you are replacing your windows anyway, you might want to consider bringing your home up to code for safety purposes, even if you aren’t legally required to do so. If you are ever in the unfortunate situation where you are sleeping and your house catches on fire, you want to be able to still get out easily if the door is blocked.

If you are working with a reputable San Diego replacement window company, the company should be very familiar with the local building codes that pertain to replacement windows. For the areas in your home that need egress windows, they will help you choose ones that are in compliance with the California Building Code and that will help keep your family safe.

If you have any questions about egress windows or about replacement windows in general, you can always contact our San Diego replacement window company. We are happy to help and love any opportunity we get to help educate San Diego homeowners about replacement windows and doors.

Michal Bohm is the owner of BM Windows, an independent replacement window company serving San Diego County for many years. Specializing in replacement vinyl windows and doors, Michal provides one of the industry's best window guarantees and his company doesn't use high pressure sales tactics. Instead, they help to educate homeowners by providing explanation and options.

Opinions expressed by contributors are their own.

Topics: Window Shopping with Michal, egress windows san diego, home improvement san diego, replacement windows san diego
BM Windows San Diego

Recent Articles

  • What Makes San Diego One of the Best Cities for Young Entrepreneurs in 2025?
  • Is San Diego’s Sunshine Enough? The Surprising Truth About Feeling Low in a City That Looks So Bright
  • What Happens After Retirement in San Diego? A Closer Look at Real Life Beyond the Beach
  • Medication for PTSD: Pros and Cons
  • Cal-Pacific Contracting: Custom Home Builders in Temecula Who Keep Quality at the Forefront
  • Finding the Perfect Senior Living Community in San Diego: What Really Matters?
  • Why Wellness in San Diego Hits Different—And How to Tap into It
  • Whole Home Remodeling with Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025
  • Want to Bring Your Pet? Here’s Where You Can Go in San Diego
  • Crucial Elements of Excellent Business Conference Management
  • The Link Between Exercise and Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • How Solana Beach Combines Fitness, Wellness, and Ocean Vibes
Smith Farms Custom Furniture

Featured Business

Smith Farms Custom Furniture Makers

Custom furniture pieces built with quality materials and tried-and-tested construction methods. Built to last a lifetime! Learn more about custom furniture for San Diego homes.

Related Articles


Whole Home Remodeling with Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025

Whole Home Remodeling with Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025

When it Comes to Window Replacement, San Diego Has Lots of Options

When it Comes to Window Replacement, San Diego Has Lots of Options

From Vision to Reality: Essential Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Home

From Vision to Reality: Essential Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Home

All of the Great Window Companies in San Diego Offer These 3 Things

All of the Great Window Companies in San Diego Offer These 3 Things

6 Extraordinary Trends in Apartment Living

6 Extraordinary Trends in Apartment Living

7 Smart Ways to Dispose of Yard Waste

7 Smart Ways to Dispose of Yard Waste

San Diego Home Inspection by John Robinson’s Inspection Group

San Diego Home Inspection by John Robinson’s Inspection Group

7 Essentials for Creating a Dreamy Kids Playroom

7 Essentials for Creating a Dreamy Kids Playroom

Artificial Grass in San Diego – Water Wise Grass

Artificial Grass in San Diego – Water Wise Grass

loading...
Sitemap | Submit an Article

Copyright © 2025 MySanDiego™. All rights reserved.
San Diego Web Design by Modmacro℠