Table of Contents
How do you install a window well in a basement?
How to Install Basement Window Wells Measure the Basement Window. Choose a Window Well That Fits Those Dimensions. Dig the Hole. Make the Drain. Place the Window Well Inside the Hole. Drill Pilot Holes. Secure the Well with Screws. Fill the Well with Gravel.
How deep should a basement window well be?
To meet egress window requirements, the window well should be 64 inches wide by 36 inches in projection and between 3 to 5 feet deep (based on how far above/below grade the window will sit). For aesthetic purposes, it’s best to center the egress window in the window well.
Do window wells need drains?
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 I keep water out of my basement window wells?
Here’s what you can do to keep as much water away from your house as possible: Fix grading to make sure it slopes away from the foundation. Keep your gutters clear of debris and in good working condition. Extend downspouts away from the house to keep roof runoff from pouring next to the foundation.
Do I need basement window wells?
Quick answer: If you have a basement window that is fully or partially below grade, you will need a window well to prevent leaking and help bring in light. If the basement window is in a habitable room, then you will need a window well and window that conforms to IRC Building Code emergency egress requirements.
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 you do with basement window wells?
Spruce up your Existing Well 1 Hang Plants. Hanging plants from your existing egress window well can go a long way towards increasing your view. 2 Decorate. Many people simply overlook their egress window as a place where they can decorate. 3 Plant Flowers.
Should window wells be covered?
At Window Well Experts, we recommend that all window wells be fitted with a proper cover. When you look at the benefits of window wells, almost all of them require a sturdy, leak-proof cover in order to achieve their fullest benefit.
Where do window wells drain to?
Window Well Drains are designed to alleviate water buildup/pressure inside the well for and egress (or other) basement window. They are tied into the existing Drain Tile System, can be discharged to separate gravity drain (if proper grade is present), or routed to a sump pit along the interior foundation wall.
How far down is a window well drain?
Remove the Window Well and Measure Mark the height, width and the point where the top of the window well is going to rest. Ensure it will be exactly centered in relation to the window opening. You’ll need to dig down about 10 inches where you intend to place the window well.
How thick should a concrete window well be?
At 8″ you should be ok.
When should window wells be installed?
These are known as window wells, and they are important in almost any sort of basement finishing treatment. Windows allow for a way of “egress” or exiting the building if the stairs are inaccessible. They are also ideal for bringing in light and air when the basement is dark and even damp.
Do basement window wells have drains?
“Typically window wells have a drain that is connected to the foundation drainage system or drains to daylight somewhere in the yard,” Dennison said. “Over time that drain could become clogged and could possibly need to be cleaned out.”Sep 25, 2020.
Can you put a sump pump in a window well?
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.
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!.
