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A window well is semi-circular excavation that surrounds a basement window. The window wells keep the soil away from openings in the foundation walls while still allowing proper grading and drainage away from the house; and. to allow sunlight into a below-grade room that would otherwise require artificial lighting.
Do I need 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.
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.
Why do people install window wells?
A window well is a U-shaped barrier made of ribbed metal or plastic that prevents water from pooling by your basement windows. If your basement window is at or below the grade of the ground, installing one could prevent your basement from flooding.
What do you fill window wells with?
After digging out the hole to install your well, you fill it with gravel or broken rock chunks to support the window well itself, improve drainage and prevent damaging frost heaves in the winter. The same gravel or rock is used as a base of the floor inside the egress well.
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 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.
How do I protect my window well from the rain?
A custom basement window can help prevent excess water from pooling in the well after heavy rainfall. Purchase a basement window well cover that will keep water from accumulating—this cover should be securely fastened to your concrete foundation so water does not seep in from the sides.
Can you put mulch in a window well?
Surrounding Your Window Wells Many people choose to surround their wells with grass, but because a properly covered well will keep debris away from your basement window, mulch, gravel, and rocks are all viable choices.
How do you keep window wells from filling up with water?
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.
How much should a window well cost?
Depending on your needs and choices, a good window well installation can run around $500 – $1000, give or take. This will cover the materials used, the need for regrading the project (should this be necessary), and the connection of the well to your foundation’s drainage system.
When should you install a window well?
Yet both windows and window wells need to be installed properly since they are responsible for retaining the soil in the area around the window, preventing leaking or unwelcome drainage into the well itself, and allowing proper light and ventilation through the window.
Are basement windows necessary?
In most cases, the answer is yes. A finished basement project must incorporate an Egress window if any portion of the space will be used as a bedroom, or if you are creating another habitable space (a family room, for example) that does not already have an Egress window or a door.
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.
Do window wells need gravel?
Things You’ll Need Fill your window well with gravel to promote drainage. Since basement windows often are positioned at or below ground level, a window well is positioned directly in front of the window. This lets in sunlight as well as helps keep water from seeping into the basement through the window.
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.
How do you make window wells look good?
You can use stone pavers, brick, or more naturally-shaped rocks. Plant ivy or another clinging plant on the wall of an egress window well. Once it has all grown over, you’ll have some greenery to look out on!Oct 8, 2013.
Can you paint basement window wells?
Painter’s Palette. 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 do you landscape a window well?
How to Landscape Around Window Wells Plant deciduous shrubs around the perimeter of the window well, spaced at least 12 inches away from the sides of the well. Build a planter with landscaping pavers on one or both sides of the window well to pull the eye up toward the planters and away from the window well.
