When it comes to egress window wells, one size definitely does not fit all. While the core purpose of an egress window is always to provide a safe emergency escape route during a fire, the specific requirements can change depending on how the building is used and what local municipalities dictate.
At Illumicast, we adapt our installations to ensure your property is completely code-compliant and perfectly suited to your needs.
The Wichita Daycare Project
Recently, we completed an egress window well installation for a daycare facility in the Wichita area. When you are operating a daycare, safety is the absolute top priority. Because of the nature of the business—and the local building codes associated with it—this specific project required a custom approach for the emergency escape route.
Standard Ladders vs. Custom Steps
For a typical residential window well that is more than 44 inches deep, building codes require a permanently affixed ladder to ensure an easy exit.
Our Standard Ladder: Our standard offering is a highly durable steel ladder. It is powder-coated black so it looks great for years, and it is securely anchored directly into the concrete walls of the window well. This ensures it is always ready and waiting in case of a fire.
Here is a look at our standard, sturdy black egress ladder:
The Custom Daycare Steps:
However, for the Wichita daycare, a standard ladder wasn't going to cut it. To meet their specific local code requirements for a childcare facility, they were required to have more substantial steps to ensure that small children could safely and easily climb out of the window well during an emergency.
To accommodate this requirement, we designed and installed custom wooden steps inside their precast concrete window well.
Take a look at the custom wooden steps we installed for this customer:
As with all our installations, the window well was topped off with our clear polycarbonate cover, which features an aluminum frame. This keeps rain and debris out while acting like an umbrella that still lets natural light pour into the basement.
Here is the exterior view of the completed daycare egress window well:
We Handle the Codes So You Don't Have To
Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, navigating building codes can be overwhelming. Here is why you can rest easy when you hire Illumicast:
- Code Mastery: The state of Kansas uses the 2006 International Building Code, while individual cities like Wichita use later versions, such as the 2012 or 2018 IRC. We know exactly what is required for your specific area.
- Site-Specific Engineering: Sedgwick County is the only county in South Central Kansas that requires site-specific engineering for egress windows. We handle this seamlessly, as our system is already engineered and certified.
- All-Inclusive Quotes: Your quote will always include sales tax, city permits, and county engineering fees. There are no hidden fees or surprise upcharges.
Whether you need our standard steel ladder or a customized step solution to meet local regulations, we have you covered.
Need a Custom Window Well? If you're looking to upgrade the safety and natural light of your basement, give us a call at 620-200-0616 to request a custom quote!
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