Egress Windows in Ontario: What You Need to Know for Safety and Code Compliance

Whether you are finishing a basement or replacing older bedroom windows, understanding egress requirements is critical for your home’s safety and meeting the Ontario Building Code.

What is an Egress Window?

An egress window is specifically designed and sized to provide an unobstructed emergency exit in the event of a fire or other crisis. Under Canadian regulations, an egress window is mandatory in every room used as a bedroom or intended for sleeping.

Ontario Building Code Requirements at a Glance

To legally qualify as an egress window, the clear opening must satisfy three core dimensional rules:

Clear Unobstructed Area - At least 0.35 m² (3.77 sq. ft.)

Minimum Height or Width - No single dimension less than 380 mm (15 inches)

Operation - Must be openable from the inside without special tools or knowledge

Egress basement window

Best Window Styles for Egress

1. Tilt & Turn Windows (The European Standard)

Tilt & Turn windows are an exceptional choice for egress. They operate in two modes: tilting inwards from the top for secure daily ventilation, or swinging fully open inward like a door (90 to 180 degrees).

• Why they work for Egress: When opened in the turn position, the entire frame opening is completely clear and unobstructed without any hinges or sashes blocking the center. As long as the frame meets the overall size requirements, a Tilt & Turn window satisfies Ontario fire code standards while providing effortless interior escape access.

2. Casement Windows (with Egress Hinges)

Casement windows are a classic choice for Canadian homes, but standard units have a minor design quirk:

• The Problem: A standard casement sash opens outward to 90 degrees, but the standard track hinge pulls the sash slightly inward toward the center of the frame. This dividing sash reduces the usable opening space and often prevents an otherwise large window from meeting the required 0.35sq m clear area.

• The Solution: An egress hinge. Egress hinges shift the open sash completely to the outer edge of the frame, maximizing the clear exit space. (Note: If a standard casement window is already large enough that its opening exceeds 0.35 sq m even with the center-set sash, a special egress hinge is not required.)

Can Awning Windows Be Used for Egress?

No. Although awning windows use similar crank hardware to casements, they hinge at the top and open outward from the bottom. The operating crank and the angled open sash physically block the bottom exit space, making it impossible for a person to escape safely.

What If Your Current Window Opening Is Too Small?

If your existing window opening does not meet Ontario Building Code standards, the opening may need to be expanded. This requires cutting into the wall structure (concrete or framing) and installing a proper header and window well if below ground level.

While structural expansion adds complexity and cost to a project, it ensures your living space is fully legal, safe, and code-compliant.

Always verify egress compliance with your window supplier prior to installation.