Residential Building Inspector B1Building Planning and Life SafetyMedium
A residential building inspector is reviewing plans for a new single-family dwelling that includes an emergency escape and rescue opening (egress window) in a basement bedroom. The window well serving this opening must have a minimum horizontal projection. What is the minimum horizontal projection required for a window well serving an egress window?
- A36 inches
- B24 inches
- C44 inches
- D30 inches
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 36 inches
For safety and ease of escape, window wells serving emergency egress openings must provide sufficient clear space. The IRC mandates a minimum horizontal projection of 36 inches to allow occupants to exit and rescuers to enter without obstruction.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is a common distractor, as 24 inches is often a minimum for other clearances.
- C. 44 inches is the minimum vertical depth for a window well, not the horizontal projection.
- D. 30 inches is a common dimension but not the minimum for horizontal projection of a window well.
Window Well Horizontal Projection
The minimum clear horizontal distance measured perpendicular from the exterior wall to the window well, ensuring adequate space for escape or rescue through a basement egress window.
- Crucial for emergency egress.
- Provides clear space for occupants/rescuers.
- Specified by building codes (IRC).
Memory trick: Well's 'W' for 'Wide' (36 inches).