An egress window is the only basement window that doubles as a code-required fire escape. It is also the thing that turns a basement room from storage into a legal, livable space. Most “decorative basement windows” do not qualify. Aqua Lock installs egress windows the way the building code intends, with drainage routed into the foundation system so the window does not become the next water-intrusion problem.
The numbers behind our foundation, waterproofing, and egress installation in Kentucky since 2006:
- In business since 2006
- 10,000-plus Kentucky homes repaired
- BBB Accredited A+
- Certified Structural Inspector on every inspection, not salespeople
- Lifetime Transferable Warranty on the waterproofing and drainage scope
What Kentucky Code Actually Requires
The International Residential Code, adopted by Kentucky, sets the egress window specifications most homeowners did not know existed. A window qualifies as an egress window when it meets all of the following:
- Minimum 5.7 square feet of net clear opening
- Sill no higher than 44 inches from the finished floor
- Operable from inside without keys, tools, or special knowledge
- Affixed ladder or steps if the window well is deeper than 44 inches
- Minimum 20 inches wide clear opening
- Minimum 24 inches tall clear opening
- Window well drainage connected to the foundation drainage system, or an approved alternative
Egress windows are required for finished basements that include habitable space, and for any basement bedroom in a single-family home, duplex, or multi-family residence. A pre-listing inspection that flags “non-compliant basement window” usually traces back to one of the specifications above.
Unique specialized solutions for unique specialized problems. Every Aqua Lock recommendation starts with the foundation type and the local code, not a one-size-fits-all kit.
Why You Might Need One
Common reasons Kentucky homeowners install egress windows:
- Finishing a basement: Code requires egress for any habitable lower-level space. Without one, the finished basement is not legal as living area.
- Converting a basement room into a bedroo: Bedrooms require their own egress window for occupancy code.
- Pre-sale code compliance: A buyer's inspector flags the absence of an egress window in a finished basement during inspection contingency.
- Bringing natural light into the basement: A side benefit, but the structural reason matters first.
- Safety: The only way out of a basement bedroom if the stairs are blocked.
The Part Most Installers Get Wrong
An egress window cuts a large opening into the foundation wall. The window well outside catches rain runoff and snowmelt. If the well does not drain anywhere, it fills up and delivers water directly into the basement through the new opening.
This is the failure point on most egress installations done by a window contractor instead of a waterproofing specialist. The well needs to drain to the foundation drainage system, to a daylight outlet, or to an approved alternative. Aqua Lock is a 20-year basement waterproofing company. Drainage is part of the install scope on every job, not an upsell after the fact.
What an Aqua Lock Egress Install Includes
Site Assessment and Code Review
Foundation type, wall thickness, exterior grading, drainage routing, and applicable building code requirements before any cutting begins.
Foundation Cut
Precision cut into a poured-concrete or hollow-block foundation wall, sized to the window spec.
Window and Window Well Installation
Code-compliant window per the 5.7 square-foot net clear opening spec. Galvanized or composite window well sized to the depth required.
Drainage Connection
The window well connects to the foundation drainage system or an approved alternative. This is the step that determines whether the window leaks during the next big rain.
Waterproofing and Sealing
Hydraulic seal around the entire cut, exterior membrane where applicable, interior trim.
Permit and Final Inspection Sign-Off
Aqua Lock pulls the permit when required and walks the work through final inspection.
Our Installation Process
Transparent from the first phone call to the final walkthrough.
Free Inspection
A Certified Structural Inspector evaluates the foundation, grading, drainage, and code requirements. 30 to 45 minutes, no obligation, no hard sell.
Permit and Plan
Written scope with the window spec, well type, drainage routing, and permit handling.
Installation
Most installs are completed in one to two days. Aqua Lock crews, foreman on site, surfaces protected.
Inspection Sign-Off
Permit closeout where applicable.
Final Walkthrough
Nothing closes out until you have inspected the work and signed off.
Most inspections are scheduled within 24 to 48 hours.
What Egress Windows Cost
Three factors drive cost. First, foundation type – a poured-concrete cut runs differently from a hollow-core block cut. Second, drainage routing – connecting to an existing foundation drainage system is shorter than running a new line. Third, finish scope – interior trim, exterior grading repair, and any window upgrade beyond the code minimum.
Financing is available. The Lifetime Transferable Warranty on the waterproofing and drainage portion of the install transfers with the home at resale.
Why Homeowners Choose Aqua Lock for Egress Windows
Egress window installation that is not paired with proper drainage is the most common way the work becomes a leak source. Aqua Lock is a 20-year waterproofing company first, which is exactly why the drainage portion of the install is part of the scope rather than an afterthought.
- Protecting Kentucky homes since 2006
- 10,000-plus homes inspected, repaired, and protected
- Lifetime Transferable Warranty on the waterproofing and drainage scope
- Aqua Lock crews on every job, foreman on site start to finish
- Inspectors, not salespeople
- BBB Accredited A+ · Mold and Radon Certified · Certified Structural Inspector on every inspection
Protect the home, respect the family, and do the job right.
Areas We Serve
Egress window installation across Louisville, Southern Indiana, and surrounding communities within roughly 50 miles of our Jeffersontown headquarters.
- Kentucky counties:
- Jefferson
- Oldham
- Bullitt
- Shelby
- Henry
- Nelson
- Hardin
- Spencer
- Anderson
- Franklin
- Woodford
- Scott
- Fayette
- Jessamine
- Southern Indiana counties:
- Harrison
- Floyd
- Clark
For the Louisville area, call 502-495-9450.
Egress Window FAQs
Are egress windows required by law in Kentucky?
Yes for any habitable basement space and for any basement bedroom in a single-family home, duplex, or multi-family residence, under the International Residential Code adopted by Kentucky.
How big does the window have to be?
The code minimum is 5.7 square feet of net clear opening, with 20-inch minimum width and 24-inch minimum height. The sill cannot sit higher than 44 inches above the finished floor.
Can my existing basement window be converted to an egress window?
Sometimes, depending on the existing opening, the foundation type, and how the surrounding grade and drainage are configured. The inspection sorts it out.
Do egress windows leak?
Properly installed, no. The leak risk comes from window wells that do not drain anywhere. Aqua Lock connects the well to the foundation drainage system as part of every install.
How long does installation take?
Most installs are completed in one to two days. Permit handling adds time on the front end depending on the jurisdiction.
Does the warranty transfer if I sell the house?
The Lifetime Transferable Warranty on the waterproofing and drainage portion transfers with the home. The window itself carries the manufacturer warranty.
How quickly can Aqua Lock schedule the inspection?
Most inspections are scheduled within 24 to 48 hours of your call.
Don't Finish a Basement Without a Code-Compliant Egress Window
A finished basement without a code-compliant egress window is not legal as living space. A bedroom without one is not a legal bedroom. And an egress window installed without proper drainage is the next water-intrusion problem waiting to happen.
Free, no-pressure inspection. Written quote. Permit handling. Inspectors, not salespeople. Homeowners in Louisville can visit our Louisville egress window installation page for local code requirements and what to expect.
Get a professional inspection and fix the issue at its source.
Reviewed By: Becky Kraft, Co-Owner of Aqua Lock.