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Measure the Window Well for a Cover Measure the width of the window well at both the front and back, where it touches the house. Note the widest width. Then measure from the side of the house to the outside edge of the window well in at least two places. Note the shape of the window well.
How do I know what size window well I need?
Size. The horizontal area of the window well needs to be a minimum of nine square feet, with a minimum horizontal projection and vertical width of 36 inches. Given the math involved, some homeowners may expect the dimensions to be the toughest part of installing a window well.
Are all window well covers the same size?
Even the newer title of one-size-fits-most still leaves a lot of room for inadequate sizing. Window well coverings are one of those items you may at first think could be sold as a one size fits all or at least one size fits most.
Are window wells a standard size?
What size egress 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 should window well covers fit?
Be sure to measure each window well to make sure they are all the same size. Look at the shape of your window well. Some window wells are rounded, squared off, or come together in a gentle U shape. Check to see if the back of the window well cover should fit into an opening between the window and siding.
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.
Should you cover window wells in winter?
Basement Window Wells – Keep Them Covered and They’ll Keep You Covered from Damage. As the melting snow and ice leak into a home through the open basement window well, mold can grow due to the moisture seeping into the home, and that, in turn, will cause air quality issues in the home and for all that live in the home.
How much bigger should a window well be than the window?
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.
Are window well covers code?
The cover shall be operable from within the window well without the use of tools or special knowledge, and shall require no more than 30 pounds of force to fully open.” These requirements ensure that an average-size adult would be able to pass through the window well safely during an emergency evacuation.
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!.
Do window well covers keep water out?
A properly fitted window well cover keeps rain and snow out, protecting your home, inside and out, from pooling water and leaks. Window well covers prevent rain and snow from collecting in window wells, which can cause water to pool against your foundation and make its way into your home’s interior.
Should window well be attached to foundation?
As long as the window well liner is wide enough to be attached to the foundation wall and not the window itself and high enough to extend above ground level it should not present any problems.
How do you keep rain out of window wells?
Window Well Covers and Other Ways to Keep Water Away Make sure the ground slopes away from the window well and if necessary regrade. This will prevent the rain water from running straight toward the window. Check the gutters and downspouts. Install window well drains. Install the window well enclosure.
How do you measure a basement window well cover?
Measure the Window Well for a Cover Measure the width of the window well at both the front and back, where it touches the house. Note the widest width. Then measure from the side of the house to the outside edge of the window well in at least two places.
Do I need to shovel out my window wells?
Winterizing your window well means not having to shovel it out all winter long. Snow shouldn’t accumulate in your window well; when it melts, the water pooling outside the window can overwhelm the system, and this moisture can leak around the window frame and into your home.
Do window well covers insulate?
WIndow well covers help to improve insulation in the basement by keeping drafts out. They also protect your basement from some of the harsh sun rays, while still allowing natural light to come inside.
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.
