--- title: Using Your Roof Window as an Egress description: Your skylight may not be able to double as an egress, but a handful of VELUX roof windows can! image: https://blog.veluxusa.com/hubfs/rw-roof-access-hero1.jpg --- [Skip to Content](https://blog.veluxusa.com/homeowner/using-your-roof-window-as-an-egress#body) --- [![velux-large-RGB](https://blog.veluxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20Assets/Logos/Residential%20Logos/velux-large-RGB.png?width=222&height=74&name=velux-large-RGB.png "velux-large-RGB")](https://blog.veluxusa.com/homeowner) [SKYLIGHT INNOVATIONS](https://blog.veluxusa.com/homeowner/topic/skylight-innovations) # Using Your Roof Window as an Egress Read Time **2 mins** | Written by: VELUX Skylights [mailto:?subject=Using%20Your%20Roof%20Window%20as%20an%20Egress&body=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.veluxusa.com%2Fhomeowner%2Fusing-your-roof-window-as-an-egress](mailto:?subject=Using%20Your%20Roof%20Window%20as%20an%20Egress&body=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.veluxusa.com%2Fhomeowner%2Fusing-your-roof-window-as-an-egress) ![Roof Access Roof Window used as egress](https://blog.veluxusa.com/hubfs/rw-roof-access-hero1.jpg) We get a lot out of skylights: daylight, fresh air, a fun *and *healthy home upgrade. But sometimes you need even more out of a skylight or roof window: sometimes you need it to work as an egress. ## What Does Egress Mean? "Egress" is one of those funny English words that's been around so long, most people have forgotten what it means, mainly due to lack of use. No, not a type of bird (that's "egr*et*"), "egress" is another word for "exit." While it's not typical in everyday conversation, it is commonly used in building codes to refer to how somebody can exit a building. For example, a fire escape is defined as a "means of egress" because it's a way for someone to exit a building in an emergency. Most states and townships have building codes that require means of egress on each floor, sometimes including finished basements and attics. Emergency exits on these floors usually come in the form of egress windows. Egress windows are large enough to open and allow people to get out — and emergency personnel, like firefighters, *in.*   ## VELUX Roof Windows as Egress Options VELUX venting skylights only open a few inches, just enough to let fresh air flow through your home. A few of [VELUX roof windows](https://www.veluxusa.com/products/roof-windows/top-hinged), on the other hand, open wide enough to qualify as egress windows under most residential building codes. ![rw-top-hinged-gpu](https://blog.veluxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Residential%20Files/To%20Sort/rw-top-hinged-gpu.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=rw-top-hinged-gpu.jpg)**Top-Hinged Roof Window** As the name suggests, the Top-Hinged Roof Window features an innovative top control bar and convenient bottom handle for operation. That means this window can be installed lower than similar bottom-operated windows to get an excellent view while standing or when seated. It also features ThermoTechnology™ that creates an airtight seal, slowing heat transfer and increasing energy efficiency. And of course, it opens wide to function as an egress in emergency situations.   ![rw-roof-access-gxu](https://blog.veluxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/rw-roof-access-gxu.jpg?width=300&name=rw-roof-access-gxu.jpg)**Roof Access Roof Window** For a room where you know you'll need regular roof access, there's the VELUX Roof Access Roof Window. Whether you need easy access for repairs, maintenance, or in case of emergency, this roof window opens wide and features a locking device to keep it in an open position. It can be installed as a left- or right-hinged window and has a ventilation flap for when you want airflow without fully opening the window. With this roof window, we recommend installing it in a higher position, such as a knee-high wall.   ![ExitSkylight](https://blog.veluxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Residential/VELUX%20USA/Products/Flat%20Roof/ExitSkylight.png?width=300&name=ExitSkylight.png) **Flat Roof Access Skylight** Got a flat roof? Need a skylight that doubles as an egress? We got you covered! Featuring a polycarbonate dome and an insulated PVC frame, the [Flat Roof Exit Skylight](https://www.veluxusa.com/products/skylights/flat-roof/cxp) opens up to 60° to act as an egress. It's manually operated and is available in three sizes. To operate, simply push open the top, and its gas arm struts will smoothly open the skylight, allowing you quick and easy roof access.   Need a daylight and fresh air source that doubles as an egress in your home or attic? [Book a virtual consultation](https://www.veluxusa.com/design-advice) to learn more about your options! VELUX Skylight Systems ## Reimagine Your Home With Natural Light and Fresh Air Schedule a free 30-minute virtual consultation with our team of Design & Product Advisors to determine the perfect skylight system for your home. [Get Started ](https://www.veluxusa.com/ready-to-buy/trusted-advisors) ![](https://blog.veluxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Roof%20Window%20Balcony%20Blog%20Image.png?width=700&name=Roof%20Window%20Balcony%20Blog%20Image.png) SKYLIGHT INNOVATIONS ### [ Product Spotlight: The VELUX Balcony Roof Window ](https://blog.veluxusa.com/homeowner/product-spotlight-the-velux-balcony) The VELUX Balcony Roof Window is a creative and innovative way to add more daylight and fresh air to... Keep Reading ![](https://blog.veluxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Residential/VELUX%20USA/VELUX%20USA%20Website/Images/Hero%20Carousel/Skylight-pillarpage-2-1.png?width=700&name=Skylight-pillarpage-2-1.png) SKYLIGHT INNOVATIONS ### [ Frequently Asked Questions About Skylights ](https://blog.veluxusa.com/homeowner/frequently-asked-questions-about-skylights) Want skylights in your home but have a few questions first? Check out the answers to some of the mos... Keep Reading ![](https://blog.veluxusa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Residential/VELUX%20USA/Products/Skylight%20Images/28-bathroom-skylight-venting-wooden-tub-0839-1.jpeg?width=700&name=28-bathroom-skylight-venting-wooden-tub-0839-1.jpeg) HEALTHY LIVING ### [ 4 Ways to Clean the Air in Your Home Naturally ](https://blog.veluxusa.com/homeowner/4-ways-to-clean-the-air-in-your-home-naturally) Clean the air in your home the natural way with regular ventilation, houseplants, and more! Keep Reading ## About Us A passion for daylight, fresh air, and better living environments: it's what started our company over 75 years ago, and it's what drives us forward today. Our products help create bright, healthy, energy-efficient places in which to live, work, learn and play.   ## Contact Us [Email Us](https://www.veluxusa.com/help/email-customer-service)   [104 Ben Casey Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29708](https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVv5d3Qq5BuadF42A) 800-888-3589   ## Follow Us © 2026 VELUX ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "VELUX Skylights", "url" : "https://blog.veluxusa.com/homeowner/author/velux-skylights" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-01T19:53:32.868Z", "datePublished" : "2020-09-18T12:46:00.000Z", "headline" : "Using Your Roof Window as an Egress", "image" : [ "https://blog.veluxusa.com/hubfs/rw-roof-access-hero1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.veluxusa.com/homeowner/using-your-roof-window-as-an-egress", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.veluxusa.com/hubfs/image005%20copy-1.png" }, "name" : "VELUX USA" } } ```