What Is A Window Well

What is the purpose of a window well?

to prevent moisture damage to basement windows that are at or below grade. 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.

Are window wells necessary?

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.

Why do window wells fill up with water?

Weeds, leaves, dirt, and other debris clog window wells, causing them to fill with water. The water then leaks through the window and into the basement.

Do window wells keep water out?

Window Well Covers – The most important function of a window well cover is not keeping out water but keeping out the kind of debris – leaves, grass clippings, trash – that will clog the drain.

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 the projection of a window well?

Projection. To measure the projection of the window well, begin at the center point of the width measurement. Then, measure how far the window well projects from your home by calculating the distance between the wall of the house and the farthest point to which the well stretches from the house.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

How do you stop a window well from flooding?

If a lot of water enters the window well, stronger drainage provisions, apart from the gravel layer must be provided to drain the water. Installing a window well drain or cover will help drain out large amounts of water and prevent it from seeping into the tiles.

How deep should window well 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.

How much pea gravel do I need for a window well?

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. Backfilling by hand, start at the farthest area from the foundation, evenly distributing the stone as you fill.

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.

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 measure a window well?

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 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.

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 long do window wells last?

High quality window wells can last years, or even decades with proper maintenance and care.