What Is an Above Grade Egress Window?

An above grade egress window is installed in a basement wall section that sits above the exterior ground level. Because the window opening is already above the soil line, there is no need to excavate a window well or install a below-grade drainage system. This makes above grade installations faster, less invasive, and more affordable than below grade egress window alternatives.

For homeowners across St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County, above grade egress windows are the most common and cost-effective way to bring a basement bedroom up to building code. If your basement has a wall section that is partially or fully exposed on the exterior — even just the top two to three feet — you likely qualify for an above grade installation.

Our above grade egress window installations typically take just one day from start to finish. We arrive in the morning, cut the foundation opening, install the window and frame, seal and waterproof the perimeter, and finish the interior trim before we leave. You wake up the next morning with a code-compliant, fully functional emergency exit that floods your basement with natural light.

Why Choose Above Grade Over Below Grade?

The biggest advantage of above grade egress window installation is simplicity. Because we are working with an exposed foundation wall, we do not need to dig a window well, install a drainage system, or build a retaining wall structure around the opening. That eliminates the most time-consuming and expensive parts of the project.

Above grade installations are more affordable, take just one day instead of two, require no excavation or landscaping repair, and have fewer long-term maintenance concerns because there is no window well to keep clear of debris and water.

Below grade installations are necessary when the basement wall is fully underground on all sides. If your home sits on a flat lot with no exposed foundation walls, below grade is likely your only option. We install those too — but if you have even a partially exposed wall, above grade is almost always the better choice.

Not sure which type your home needs? That is exactly what our free on-site estimate is for. We come out, look at your foundation, and tell you exactly which installation type works — and what it will cost — with no obligation. Call (314) 626-8890 to schedule.

St. Louis Egress Window Building Code Requirements

Missouri and Illinois both follow the International Residential Code (IRC) for egress window requirements. If you are finishing a basement bedroom, converting a basement into a living space, or selling a home where a basement room is marketed as a bedroom, the space must have a code-compliant emergency escape window.

The key requirements are straightforward. The window opening must provide a minimum of 5.7 square feet of clear opening area. The minimum opening height is 24 inches. The minimum opening width is 20 inches. The window sill cannot be more than 44 inches above the finished floor. The window must be operable from the inside without tools, keys, or special knowledge.

Every egress window we install meets or exceeds these requirements. All municipalities in our service area — including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and surrounding jurisdictions — require a permit for egress window installation. We handle the entire permit process for you so nothing slows down your project.

What Is Included in Every Installation

When you hire St. Louis Egress Window for an above grade installation, you get a complete, turnkey project. We do not leave you with unfinished work or loose ends.

Every above grade installation includes professional foundation cutting with diamond-blade equipment, a code-compliant vinyl or aluminum egress window sized to your opening, full perimeter waterproofing and flashing to prevent water intrusion, interior PVC or wood trim finishing so the window looks clean and professional from inside the basement, complete debris removal and cleanup, and a walkthrough to show you how the window operates and confirm you are satisfied with the work.

We use our own crews for every job — we never subcontract. The same team that has been installing egress windows with us for years is the team that shows up at your home. That consistency is how we maintain quality and keep our reputation strong across St. Louis, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Kirkwood, O'Fallon, Wentzville, and every community we serve.