Egress Code in Manitoba
What are Manitoba Egress Requirements?
- The window must be openable from the inside without the use of tools or special knowledge.
- It must provide an unobstructed opening with a minimum area of 0.35 sq. m. (3.77 sq. ft.) with no dimension less than 380 mm (15”).
- There must be a 760 mm (30”) space of clearing in front of the window.
- Where a window sash swings towards a window well, it must not do so in a way that would restrict escape in an emergency.
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What are Egress Windows?
Egress means to go out. Egress windows, then, are windows you can use to leave your home. While they may seem like a regulatory burden, these windows furnish occupants with natural light, provide a source of natural ventilation, and can become a lifesaver in an emergency.
If there is a fire in your home, for example, a single stairwell may become unusable, leaving family members and tenants without a clear path to safety. For bedrooms and floors with doors that lead directly outside, these windows are not strictly necessary. This is because there are clear escape routes that can be taken in the case of an emergency. In basements, however, egress windows are essential and, if there is a bedroom, required by law.
Manitoba Building Code
With the exception of a few amendments established in the Manitoba Building Code, the province of Manitoba uses the National Building Code of Canada as its official building code. This means that in Manitoba, bedrooms have very specific requirements. Egress windows are necessary unless there is a door that leads from the bedroom outside.
The window must be openable from the inside without the use of tools or special knowledge, and it must provide an unobstructed opening with a minimum area of 0.35 sq. m. (3.77 sq. ft.) with no dimension less than 380 mm (15”). If your existing lower level windows do not meet the required size, they will need to be replaced or the bedroom will not be permitted.
With an unobstructed clear opening of 0.357 square meters and the smallest clear opening height being 380 mm, Window A would pass Manitoba Egress. It is important to note that, since the height is so small, the width must be rather large to meet the area requirements.
This window has the smallest square dimensions that will meet the area requirements. 592 mm x 592 mm leaves the window with exactly the 3.5 square meter clear opening required to pass egress.
This window meets the requirements for smallest dimension (380 mm), however it does not meet the minimum requirements for area. This window would not pass egress in Manitoba.
Egress Window Well Requirements in Manitoba
In order the meet egress code in Manitoba, an egress window that is below ground level must open into a well that meets certain requirements. There needs to be a 760 mm (30”) space of clearing in front of the egress window if it opens into a window well. The window also must also not open in such a way that would impede escape in the event of an emergency (for example, a standard hopper style window with the hinges on the bottom that would require the occupant to climb over the glass to escape.
This is a side cross-sectional view of a basement with egress window and adjacent window well. As this egress window is in-swinging, the window well must extend at least 760 mm from the wall.
This is a side cross sectional view of a basement with an out-swinging egress window and its window well. To meet egress in Ontario, this well must extend 760 mm past the fully open window.
In Short
To put it all simply, if you are developing your basement in Manitoba you will need an egress window that has a wide clearance and be easily opened. The Great Egress Company provides a curated collection of windows that meet egress requirements. The easiest way to get your hands on a code-compliant egress window is to let us ship one straight to your door. Have a look for yourself.
Our Canadian-made windows come in several types and sizes that will pass egress in Manitoba. If you need a specific size or a specific colour, we can have a custom window made just for you.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, building, or safety advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, building codes and regulations may change, and requirements can vary based on specific circumstances. For official guidance and to confirm compliance with local building codes, homeowners and contractors should consult directly with their local building department or an authorised building official. The Great Egress Company assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information provided.