Every egress window replacement we do includes the window unit, the labor, the sealing, and the cleanup. Here's what's covered on a standard job, and what we handle as an add-on if your project needs it.
A casement, slider, or other operable unit sized to meet the 5.7-square-foot clear-opening rule. We spec the glass package, frame material, and hardware based on your wall and your budget. Brands include Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Milgard, and Jeld-Wen.
We pull the old window, protect the floor and surrounding wall, and haul the old unit away. No dumpster left in your driveway, no debris pile. Most jobs generate less than a pickup truck's worth of material.
If the rough opening has rot or water damage, we sister in new lumber and re-level the sill. We check for rot on every job because a new window in a soft frame will leak. Repairs are quoted upfront if we find them.
We flash the head and sill with flashing tape, seal the perimeter with silicone caulk, and insulate the gap with low-expansion foam. That's the detail work that keeps water and drafts out. Skipping it is why cheap installs fail.
If your project requires a permit, we file it, schedule the inspection, and meet the inspector on site. We document the clear-opening dimensions so there's no question about code compliance. You don't have to be home for the inspection.
We vacuum the work area, wipe down the sill and trim, and walk you through the operation, latch, and screen. You get the warranty paperwork and our number. If anything comes up in the first year, call us.
Egress Window Replacement Los Angeles CA is the removal and refitting of a window to meet California's emergency-escape requirements: a minimum 5.7 square feet of clear opening, a 20-inch minimum width, a 24-inch minimum height, and a sill no higher than 44 inches off the floor. On a typical job we pull the old unit, check the rough opening for rot and framing, set a new window with setting blocks and shims, then seal with silicone caulk and flashing tape. Most single-window replacements finish in three to five hours.
Los Angeles homes need this work for reasons that have nothing to do with style. Basement conversions in Sherman Oaks, converted garages in North Hollywood, and older bedroom windows in Pasadena often fail the clear-opening test by an inch or two. Add foggy glass, rotted window frames, and sticking sashes, and the window stops being an exit at all. If you're searching for Egress Window Replacement in Los Angeles CA near me, we'll measure your existing opening, tell you exactly what size you need, and quote the job before we start.
Five steps, one crew, no surprises. Here's exactly what happens from the first phone call to the final walkthrough.
Schedule
Call or book online — a real human picks up and confirms a 2-hour arrival window.
Diagnose
Licensed tech inspects on-site, then walks you through the cause and your options.
Fix
The job is completed to code and done right the first time — no shortcuts, no surprises.
Guarantee
Every job backed by a written workmanship warranty — and we stand behind it.
Tape measure and level
We measure the rough opening and confirm the clear-opening dimensions against code. The level ensures the sill sits flat so the window operates smoothly and drains correctly.
Pry bar and utility knife
Used to remove the old window and trim without damaging the surrounding wall. The utility knife scores caulk lines so the old unit comes out clean.
Caulking gun and silicone caulk
We seal the perimeter of every window with silicone caulk, which stays flexible in Los Angeles's temperature swings and won't crack like cheaper sealants.
Flashing tape
Applied to the head and sill before the window goes in. Flashing tape is the primary defense against water intrusion, and it's the step cheap installs skip.
Window setting blocks and shims
Setting blocks hold the window at the correct height in the opening, and shims level it side to side. Both are required by manufacturer specs for warranty coverage.
Insulation gun and low-expansion foam
We fill the gap between the window frame and the rough opening with low-expansion foam. It seals air leaks without bowing the frame, which high-expansion foam can do.
Drill and screwdriver set
Used to fasten the window per the manufacturer's spec and to install hardware. We use the exact fastener type and spacing the maker requires.
Clear-opening verification
Before we order a window, we calculate the clear opening using the operable sash dimensions, not the frame size. That's how we confirm the 5.7-square-foot rule, 20-inch width, 24-inch height, and 44-inch sill height are all met. We document the numbers for the inspector.
Flashing and drainage detailing
We flash the head and sill with flashing tape and set the window on a sloped sill pan so water drains outward. This is the detail that keeps Los Angeles homes dry through the rainy season. It's also what most failed installs get wrong.
Manufacturer-spec fastening
Every window goes in with the fastener type, spacing, and setback the manufacturer requires. That keeps the product warranty valid and ensures the unit stays square and operable for its full service life.
Hand-operation testing
Before we leave, we open and close every egress window by hand, check the latch, and confirm the screen fits. If it doesn't operate smoothly, it isn't done. That's the test that matters when someone actually needs to get out.
01
What we do: We measure the existing opening, confirm it meets the 5.7-square-foot clear-opening rule, and install a code-compliant unit. We handle the permit and meet the inspector on site so the room counts as habitable space.
→ A signed-off bedroom you can rent or use, with the square footage added to your home's usable area.
02
What we do: We come out fast, measure the opening, and quote the replacement the same day. Most standard-size installs are done within a week, and we document the dimensions for the inspector.
→ A compliant window and paperwork that clears the inspection, so the sale closes on schedule.
03
What we do: We pull the stuck unit, check the frame for rot, repair the rough opening if needed, and install a new casement or slider that opens with one hand. We test every latch before we leave.
→ A window that opens smoothly, seals tightly, and meets code, plus a quieter room and lower energy bills.
04
What we do: We cut and frame the opening to the required dimensions, install an egress-rated unit, and seal it properly. We coordinate with the county on the permit and inspection.
→ A permitted living space with a code-correct escape window, ready for use as a bedroom, office, or rental.
Los Angeles has a housing stock that ranges from 1920s bungalows in Pasadena to mid-century tract homes in the Valley to newer builds on the Westside. Each era brings its own egress challenges. Older homes often have undersized rough openings, single-pane glass, and rotted window frames that need repair before a new unit goes in. Mid-century homes frequently have aluminum sliders that don't open fully. Newer builds sometimes have bedroom windows that were never sized for egress in the first place. Our climate matters too: Los Angeles gets intense sun on south- and west-facing walls, which breaks down cheap weatherstripping and silicone caulk faster than in cooler regions. We spec UV-resistant sealants and low-E glass to handle it. If you're looking for the best egress window replacement company in Los Angeles, we've been doing this work since 2010 and we know what the county inspectors look for. We work across Los Angeles County, including ZIP codes 91367, 90291, and 91316.
Sherman Oaks
Many homes here have converted basements and bonus rooms that need egress windows to be permitted as bedrooms. The soil and framing conditions vary block to block, so we check the rough opening on every job.
North Hollywood
A high concentration of converted garages and ADUs. Egress window installs here often require cutting a new opening in a stucco wall, which means careful flashing and stucco repair after the window goes in.
Pasadena
Older Craftsman and Spanish-style homes with original wood windows. We match the trim profile and use rot-resistant wood or composite frames so the new egress window fits the architecture.
Santa Monica
Coastal air means more moisture and salt exposure. We spec fiberglass or composite frames and stainless hardware to resist corrosion, and we seal the perimeter with marine-grade silicone caulk.
Woodland Hills
Summer heat pushes 100 degrees on west-facing walls. We use low-E glass with argon gas to cut solar gain, and UV-resistant weatherstripping so the seal holds through the hot months.
Intense UV and summer heat on west-facing walls
Cheap weatherstripping and caulk break down in two to three years, which causes drafts and water intrusion. We use UV-resistant sealants and low-E glass to extend the life of the install.
Older homes with undersized rough openings
A window that fits the existing opening may not meet egress code. We measure the clear opening first and resize the framing if needed, rather than install a unit that fails inspection.
Stucco and plaster exterior walls
Cutting a new egress opening in stucco requires careful flashing and patching. We detail the sill pan and head flashing so water can't get behind the stucco, then match the texture on the repair.
Seasonal rain from November through March
Water intrusion is the biggest risk on any window install. We flash every opening and test the seal before we leave, so the window holds through the rainy season without leaks.
Most egress window calls start with one of these four problems. Here's what we see on Los Angeles jobs and how we fix it.
Problem
The county won't sign off on the room, so you can't legally use it as a bedroom. That kills a rental conversion or an ADU plan, and it can hold up a sale.
Our Fix
We measure the existing opening, confirm the clear-opening dimensions, and either resize the opening or install a unit that meets the 5.7-square-foot rule. We document the numbers for the inspector so there's no back-and-forth.
Problem
A stuck window is not an escape route, and the rot spreads into the wall framing. Left alone, it turns into a leak, then a repair that costs more than the window itself.
Our Fix
We pull the unit, cut out the rotted framing, sister in new lumber, and re-level the sill. Then we install a new egress window with proper flashing and silicone caulk. The wall gets sealed and the window operates by hand.
Problem
A failed seal lets moisture between the panes, which kills the insulation value and makes the window look dirty year-round. It also signals the unit is near the end of its life.
Our Fix
We replace the unit with low-E glass and argon gas, which restores the thermal performance and clears the view. On an egress job, we size the new window to code at the same time, so you get both fixes in one visit.
Problem
Older Los Angeles homes often have single-pane windows with worn weatherstripping. That means higher energy bills, cold rooms in winter, and traffic noise you can't sleep through.
Our Fix
We install a new unit with modern weatherstripping, low-E glass, and a tight perimeter seal. Most customers notice the noise drop within a week. The energy savings show up on the next bill.
A code-correct egress window does three jobs at once: it passes inspection, it opens easily under pressure, and it stops the drafts and leaks that come with a failing frame. Here's what that looks like on a real Los Angeles job.
Passes Inspection First Time
We build to the 5.7-square-foot clear-opening rule, 20-inch width, 24-inch height, and 44-inch maximum sill height. That means fewer re-inspections, fewer delays on your permit, and a signed-off basement or bedroom you can legally use. We document the opening dimensions before we close the wall.
Opens With One Hand
A window that sticks is not an escape route. We install casement and slider units with smooth-operating hardware, then test every latch and hinge by hand before we leave. If a child or an older adult can't push it open from the inside, it isn't finished.
Stops Drafts And Water
Rotted window frames and broken seals are the two biggest sources of energy loss on older Los Angeles homes. We replace the frame, add low-E glass with argon gas, and seal the perimeter with flashing tape and silicone caulk. Most customers notice the street noise drop the same week.
Adds Usable Square Footage
A legal egress window turns a basement or converted garage into a bedroom, office, or rental unit. That's real square footage on your appraisal. We handle the sizing and framing so the room counts, and we coordinate with your inspector if the county needs documentation.
Google ★★★★★4.9
They measured our basement window, told us it wouldn't pass egress code, and quoted the fix the same day. Install took one day and the inspector signed off on the first visit. Clear pricing, no surprises.
Yelp ★★★★★4.8
Our bedroom window was rotted and stuck. They rebuilt the framing and installed a new casement that opens with one hand. The room is quieter and the drafts are gone. Would use them again.
BBB ★★★★★4.9
We manage several rental units and needed egress windows in two of them. The crew was on time, sealed everything properly, and hauled the old units away. Both units passed inspection without issues.
Google ★★★★★5.0
Converted our garage into a rental and needed a code-compliant egress window. They handled the permit and met the inspector. The unit is legal now and rents for more than we expected.
American Reliable Windows & Doors has been installing and replacing windows across Los Angeles since 2010. That's 16 years of working with the region's mix of 1920s bungalows, mid-century tract homes, and newer builds. We hold a California Contractor License through the CSLB and install products that meet ENERGY STAR, NFRC, AAMA, and WDMA standards. Our crews are trained on egress-specific sizing, flashing details, and inspection requirements, and we've walked hundreds of Los Angeles County permit inspections. We work with Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Milgard, Simonton, Jeld-Wen, Kolbe, and Loewen, so we can match your existing window style or upgrade it.
Real experiences from customers who chose our Egress Window Replacement services.
“We converted our basement into a bedroom for my mother and the county inspector flagged the window. American Reliable measured it, told us exactly what size we needed, and pulled the permit. Install took one day. The inspector signed off on the first visit. That alone was worth the price.”
Marisol R.
Homeowner, Sherman Oaks
“I manage six rental units and two had bedroom windows that wouldn't open fully. Their crew replaced both with casements in a single day, sealed them properly, and hauled the old units away. Tenants stopped complaining about street noise. I've used them on three more units since.”
Danny K.
Property Manager, North Hollywood
“Our 1920s house had a rotted frame around the back bedroom window. They rebuilt the framing, installed a fiberglass egress unit, and flashed it correctly. No leaks through two rainy seasons. The quote was detailed and the final bill matched it exactly.”
Priya S.
Homeowner, Pasadena
Real answers to the questions we hear most often from local homeowners and property managers.
When the rough opening is rotted or undersized, a full frame replacement gives us room to rebuild the framing and hit the egress dimensions. It's the right call for older Los Angeles homes where the original frame won't hold a new unit.
View Full Frame Window ReplacementRetrofit installs fit a new window into the existing frame without tearing out the surrounding wall. On an egress job, we use retrofit when the existing opening already meets code and the frame is sound. Faster, less mess, and usually cheaper.
View Retrofit Window ReplacementInsert replacements keep your existing trim and interior finish intact. For egress work, we only use this method when the clear opening already passes code. If it doesn't, we'll tell you upfront rather than install a window that fails inspection.
View Insert Window ReplacementSometimes only the sash and glass are failing, not the frame. A sash replacement can restore operation and sealing on an existing egress window at a lower cost. We'll check whether the clear opening still meets code before recommending it.
View Window Sash ReplacementDouble hung units are common in older Los Angeles bedrooms, but their clear opening is often smaller than a casement. We measure both sashes to confirm egress compliance, and if a double hung won't pass, we'll recommend a casement or slider instead.
View Double Hung Window ReplacementSingle hung windows only open on the bottom sash, which limits the clear opening. On an egress job, we size the unit so the operable sash meets the 5.7-square-foot rule. If it can't, we switch you to a casement or slider.
View Single Hung Window ReplacementCall +1 (747) 298-4287 or email us and we will get you on the schedule. We answer the phone seven days a week and can usually book a same-day estimate if you reach us before noon. Tell us how many windows, what material you are leaning toward, and whether anything is broken or leaking.
Phone
+1 (747) 298-4287Address
6161 Van Nuys Blvd Van Nuys, CA 91401, Los Angeles, California
Hours
Mon–Fri: 7AM – 7PM
Sat: 8AM – 4PM
Sun: Emergency Only
24/7 Emergency Available
