Table of Contents
How do you install a window well?
How to Install a Window Well Check Your Backfill. Test the Positioning. Remove the Window Well and Measure. Dig the Hole. Insert the Window Well and Confirm Measurements. Check That It’s Level. Screw Anchors Into the Wall. Add a Gasket or Sealant.
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.
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.
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 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!.
How do you keep water out of window wells?
The easiest way to keep your window well drain unclogged is by installing a quality window well cover. It will prevent excessive water, debris and even small animals from getting into your window well and causing problems.
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.
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.
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.
How thick should a concrete window well be?
At 8″ you should be ok.
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.
What should be in a window well?
Window well covers should be constructed from sturdy, high-quality material, such as plastic or metal. A window well cover that is made from metal (typically, aluminum or steel) is referred to as a grate and is implemented to protect against intrusion.
Can you grow plants in a window well?
My favorite partial shade annuals are viola, coleus, begonias, polka-dot plant, perilla, and fuchsia! These little plants will thrive in your window wells. If you want to make those window wells look even better you should consider these egress window wells.
Can window wells be replaced?
Window well replacement is likely to be slightly cheaper; to re-dig a window well and install a new window well cover may cost between $500 and $1,000. You may need a window well replacement if your window well has been damaged. The cost depends on the severity of the damage.
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.
How much is a window well cover?
Expect to pay from $100 to $300 or more per metal window well cover. Whether they’re metal or plastic, most high-quality modern window well covers will last for decades.
What size window well do I need?
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.
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.
What is the point of basement windows?
However, many basements are fully underground. That’s why there needs to be a basement window well together with the window. This window well supports the earth in the dig-out and prevents dirt from collapsing onto the window. It also allows the window to provide views and ventilation.
