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Egress windows are typically required for basements with habitable space or living quarters. Not all basements or lower levels require egress windows. However, egress windows are required in homes with living spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms in a basement. The International Residential Code and International Building Code require sleeping rooms to have a specific size egress window. Check your local building codes to confirm the requirements in your area.

Yes, every window needs a lintel. The lintel is necessary for redistributing the load above the window to the walls around the window. Windows aren’t meant to support a load, so lintels are an important part of a window installation. If you go to replace your windows and discover there are no lintels, you may need a window company or structural engineer to install lintels for your new windows.

No, not every window has movable sashes. Many fixed or stationary windows that were intended only to provide views and sunlight still have inoperable sashes that allow them to match the rest of the windows in a home. These are called sash-set fixed windows. They are created by glazing a window into a sash that is secured to a frame.

No, windows cannot be made 100% soundproof. Even the most advanced setups still allow some sound to pass through because windows are designed to let in light and are not completely sealed from the outside. While you cannot achieve complete silence, significant noise reduction is possible, with some noise-reduction windows blocking up to 95% of outside noise.

The goal is to minimize air gaps, add mass, and reduce vibration. To block out as much noise as possible, consider hiring a professional to install new double-pane, triple-pane, or laminated windows. You can further enhance soundproofing with airtight seals, glass inserts, shutters, or sound-dampening curtains. With the right upgrades, you can block out traffic, neighbors, and other city noise to a much quieter level.