Table of Contents
How deep should a window well drain be?
How Deep Does a Window Well Need to Be? A window well should be roughly 8 inches deeper than the window sill and approximately 6 inches wider than the window opening.
Do window wells need drainage?
Window Well Drain – Every window well should have a drain to allow water to exit the window well and not build to a level that creates a basement seepage problem. Drains can be connected to interior or exterior drain tile or can be run to daylight where a proper slope exists.
How do you drain an egress window well?
The Bottom of the Egress Window Well Excavate the bottom of the window well to the foundation level and fill the excavation with crushed rock. The rock allows water to flow down draining away from the egress window. The crushed rock has an attractive appearance in the base of the egress window well.
Where do window well drains go?
MAKE SURE YOUR WINDOW WELL HAS PROPER DRAINAGE Some newer homes have window well drains tied to the drainage tiles located either inside of the building. Most often, however, the drain goes out to the outside of the basement wall.
Should I put rocks in my window well?
There isn’t really a minimum level of rocks in your window well, but the levels should be appropriate given the depth of it (and going deep is always better). However, the window well should definitely not be overfilled. This increases the risk of flooding and windows breakage.
What do you put in the bottom of a window well?
The bottom of the well should contain loose gravel, which also helps with drainage. This should not be allowed to become too compacted or it will also cause water to collect in the well. You can either replace gravel periodically or remove it and clean it before putting it back in place.
What do I do if my window well doesn’t have a drain?
Without one, the well could collapse inward and completely defeat the purpose of the drain. Additionally, the well cover will keep excess dirt from filling in the hole while allowing light to shine through. Too much dirt covering the drain will allow water to come through the window.
What should window wells be filled with?
Fill the Well with Gravel Pour a two to three-inch layer of gravel at the bottom of the window well. Use your shovel to pack the gravel down and shift it around if it isn’t properly even. If the gravel reaches your windowsill, it’s too high.
How do you waterproof a window well?
How to Waterproof Your Basement Window Wells 1 – Ensure Proper Drainage. First and foremost, you need proper drainage features inside the window well. 2 – Foundation Grading. 3 – Replace Your Gravel. 4 – Use Window Well Covers. 5 – Perform Routine Window Well Maintenance. 6 – Apply Concrete Sealers.
Should window wells have dirt in them?
You should regularly check window wells for debris and clean them out accordingly. Materials such as leaves, dirt, and other scraps from the outside can infest window wells. When these objects enter a window well, they have the potential to dirty the gravel and clog up the drain.
Do older homes have window well drains?
Most often on older homes you do not have a drain tile in the window well leading to your sump pump drainage system. Also a proper window well cover will help keep the water from getting in the top of the window.
Should I put pea gravel in my window wells?
Do not pour the pea gravel into the window well since it could break the basement window.
How deep should the gravel be in a window well?
Drainage & Backfill Procedures Use pea gravel or ¾ inch or smaller free-draining rock, around the well stopping approximately 1 foot down from the top of the window well.
How high should rocks be in window well?
Manufacturers of the metal window well suggest digging deeper into the well and placing 12 inches of gravel at the bottom. This will allow the water to dissipate into the ground slowly. This simple project along with a cover for your metal window well will stop the water from seeping into your foundation.
How do you stop window wells from rusting?
Learn how to fix a rusty window well, prevent it from rusting in the future, and protect your home. Assess Your Drainage System. Install Drains in Your Window Well. Remove Rust or Corrosion from the Window Well. Decide if the Windows Need to Be Replaced. Install a Window Well Cover. Consider Installing Vinyl Window Wells.
What is a window well liner?
Decorative window well liners are a great alternative to looking out your basement window at a galvanized window well. Window well inserts are the easiest way to transform your basement windows from plain, boring metal to an attractive vista of your choosing!.
Why are my window wells rusting?
Why are my window wells rusting? Window wells rust because of electrolysis (decomposition produced by an electric current.) This means that a window well is rusting because it is touching other metal in your home -usually rebar in the foundation (via either the window buck or the well’s attachment bolts.).
Can you paint your window well?
Soften the harsh appearance of an ugly corrugated metal window well by applying a fresh paint color. Apply a low-luster black or brown paint to the inside wall of an unattractive window well to mask its shiny, cold presence. Or, pick out a hue to complement your interior basement palette.
How long do galvanized window wells last?
Square window wells are 18 gauge galvanized steel that is guaranteed for 30 years. All measurements are inside dimensions, and these wells have a 4″ radius on the corners. Wells may distort during shipping and can be pushed back into shape during installation.
What are window well liners made of?
Window well covers are available in different materials: Plastic material, mainly polyethylene and polycarbonate (a thermoplastic) Metal material, mainly aluminium and steel. When a window well cover is made out of this material, it is commonly referred to as a window well grate.
