Basement Egress Window Installation: Our Process
Please take the time to read below as the information is intended to share not only our process but also answer some of your questions. We want to ensure you have the information to make an informed decision, and a happy experience working with us.
The City of Calgary requires a building permit is pulled when you install an egress window. We recommend you take the time to apply for a permit, or we provide you with two options. We will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step 2-page guide that walks you through the City’s online permit process. Or, we will pull the permit on your behalf, at a cost.
What can you expect from Calgary Egress Windows
In-Home Consultation
We start with an in-home consultation where we will explain the entire installation process and talk window types and costs. In the comfort of your kitchen we will answer all your questions so you can make an informed decision. Keep in mind, there are no bad questions. We will then provide you with a quote, typically the same day. If you agree with our quote we will prepare a contract for you to sign
Scheduleing
If you agree to the work we will schedule a time that works for you. Installation of one window typically takes 2-days.
Between our initial home visit and the scheduled install date, we will order custom windows if required.
Install
The morning of the scheduled install, our installer will show up between 8:30-9am wearing a company logo shirt or jacket.
We will prepare your basement for the concrete cutting by laying down plastic sheets/barriers below the area where the window will be installed to ensure we keep the interior of your home as clean as possible.
No, we do not cut inside your home as it is much too messy.
Once back outside, we will hand dig the proper sized hole for your window well. Hand digging allows us to ensure there is no damage from heavy equipment. We will mark where the concrete is to be removed and begin to cut the concrete foundation. After the concrete has been cut, we will focus on installing the window by lining the opening with a pressure treated wood buck/frame. This frame is required by our local building code, and is used to begin the water proofing process, and mount the new window. The frame size of the window is typically 44″ wide by 33″tall or 30"x30"(minimum egress compliant size from our manufactures). Our standard installation includes an Energy Star Rated window with a dual pane glass, filled with Argon gas. Once window is sealed against water, leveled and secured, we move back inside.
We add insulation around the new window using expanding foam insulation. On basements that have finished drywall we offer an upgrade/optional custom-built window sill using a white melamine material. To finish off the inside, we install white primed interior trim or casing. We do not paint the trim.
Once we clean up inside, we move back outside to complete the window.
To finish off the window outside we will apply a cement parging material similar to the finish on most foundation walls. We also offer an optional finish using Hardie board casing. We also install a drip cap above the new window.
The final step is to install and secure the galvanized corrugated steel window well to the foundation. We do offer an optional upgrade to a 6"x6" pressure treated wood window well. All egress windows require at least 30” of clearance from the foundation out to the inside side edge of the window well.
Once the window well is completed we add ¾” rock in the bottom of the well. We then back-fill and compact all voids around the outside of the well. Finally, we rake out the surrounding dirt leaving a positive sloped surface.
Once the work is completed, your home will look as if the window had always been there.
Warranty
We warranty all our work for two years. If you see something you think it might be a problem, call us at 403-975-8585.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Our window manufacturer offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the window seals against water or air leaks. And a 1-year warranty on naturally occurring cracks in the glass (Determined by the manufacturer)
The Calgary Egress Windows Difference
Any type of home renovation has it’s challanges. We know it can be tuff to set aside time for renovation projects. When it comes to basement window installation, we want to make the process as painless for you as possible. With Calgary Egress Windows you get “Old Fashion Customer Service” Remember when you could expect value for your dollar? We provide excellent yet practical services in a professional and courteous manner.
Yes, the City of Calgary requires that a permit is pulled when you install a new or larger basement window. We will pull the permit for you at a cost, or we will provide you with a detailed one-pager that will explain step by step how you can navigate the city web site to pull a permit.
Start to finish is approx. 1.5 – 2 days per window.
Yes and yes. We carry a 2-million-dollar liability policy and are fully covered by the WCB. We have never had an insurance or WCB claim.
Over the course of the year we use every local manufacture.
Yes, we provide a manufacturers Limited lifetime warranty on the window seal against water or air leaks. And a limited lifetime warranty on the window frame against water leaks or naturally occurring cracks. Calgary Egress Windows also provides a two-year warranty on our workmanship.
