Basement Window & Egress

Egress windows are a legal requirement for any basement bedroom or sleeping area in Calgary. The Alberta Building Code specifies that each bedroom must have at least one window with an unobstructed opening of no less than 3.77 square feet, with minimum dimensions of 380mm in height and width, positioned no higher than 1500mm from the floor.

Many older Calgary homes have small, fixed basement windows that do not meet these requirements, making window enlargement essential before a basement bedroom can be legally occupied. Our process includes structural engineering assessment, concrete cutting to enlarge the opening, installation of a new steel or concrete lintel, and fitting a code-compliant casement or slider window designed for below-grade use.

Window well installation is a critical companion to egress window work in Calgary. Wells must be large enough to allow a person to climb out in an emergency, with a minimum floor area that accommodates the fully opened window. In areas with deep frost penetration, which exceeds 1.2 metres in Calgary, window wells require proper drainage connected to weeping tile or a dedicated sump to prevent water and snowmelt from pooling against the glass.

We install galvanized steel or composite window wells with ladder steps for deeper installations, and clear polycarbonate covers that keep snow and debris out while still allowing emergency escape from inside. For homeowners looking to bring more natural light into dark basements without the full egress requirement, we also offer window enlargement services that increase glass area within existing openings.

Every egress installation includes a City of Calgary permit and inspection to confirm compliance, protecting both your family's safety and your home's legal standing.