---
title: "What Is Egress? Window and Door Glossary | Honey Rock Window and Door"
description: "Egress is a window or door opening large enough, and easy enough to open, that a person can escape through it in an emergency."
url: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/egress
publisher: Honey Rock Window and Door
phone: +1-214-484-9982
quote: https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us
---

# Egress

Egress is a window or door opening large enough, and easy enough to open, that a person can escape through it in an emergency.

Building codes set minimum sizes for escape openings, most often in bedrooms and basements. The opening must work without keys, tools or special knowledge. That affects the window type you pick. Many casement and tilt-and-turn units open wide enough to serve as an exit, while some units that open only part way may not.

A fixed window never counts as an escape opening. Check the clear opening, not just the frame size, because hardware and sash thickness reduce it. The rules differ by city and code year, so confirm with your local building department or ask us. See [casement windows](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/casement-window), [tilt-and-turn windows](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/tilt-and-turn-window) and [rough opening](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/rough-opening).

[Where it mattersCasement and awning windows](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/windows/casement-and-awning-windows)

## Related terms

-   [Casement window](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/casement-window)
-   [Tilt-and-turn window](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/tilt-and-turn-window)
-   [Rough opening](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/rough-opening)
-   [Fixed (picture) window](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/glossary/fixed-window)

![A modern home with wide glass doors lit warm at dusk beside a pool](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/_astro/dusk-modern-home-pool-01.CeePxgPr_Z2giQin.webp)

## Let’s frame your view.

Send your plans or a few photos of the openings. We will help you choose the system, the brand and the glass.

[Start your project](https://honeyrock.multisites.ai/contact-us)[or call (214) 484-9982](tel:+1-214-484-9982)