Steps To Install Window Well Covers
- Measure Window Well It’s good to measure the window well before going to the local home improvement store to buy the window well coverings. ...
- Measure Side Covers Mark the spots with tape starting from the side of the cover against the wall. ...
- Add Plastic Tape Beneath The Cover ...
- Attach window Well Covers With Clips ...
- Test For Bends And Buckling Of Clips ...
How do you install window well cover?
- Measure the width of the window well at both the front and back, where it makes contact with the house. ...
- Look at the shape of your window well. ...
- Place the new window well cover over the window well with the back side flush against the house.
How do you install a glass block basement window?
Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Installing the Block Glass Panel
- Install cedar shims at the bottom of the frame. The shims will help hold the panel in place, and they will ensure an even placement of the panel in ...
- Mix small batches of mortar. You can mix batches about five or six trowel amounts at a time. ...
- Apply a small amount of mortar to the bottom of the frame. ...
How to install an egress window in the basement?
Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Planning the Window Download Article
- Determine how large your egress window needs to be. Requirements vary based on where you live, so look up local codes on the subject.
- Dig an oversized window well outside where you will add the window. ...
- Measure and mark your cut on the inside wall of your basement. ...
- Drill a pilot hole in the center of the bottom cutting line. ...
Does your basement 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.
How do you attach plastic to window wells?
How to Install Basement Window WellsMeasure 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.More items...•
How do you cover a basement window well?
0:331:35HouseSmarts DIY Smarts "Window Well Covers" Episode 179 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEverything out and painting will protect the wood whether you use stain or exterior paint to buildMoreEverything out and painting will protect the wood whether you use stain or exterior paint to build the frame clamp down the side pieces to the straight back piece of wood.
How are window well covers supposed to fit?
Center the cover over the window well with the back edge snug against the house. The edges of the window well should support nearly all of the cover.
Do window wells need to be attached?
The answer is yes, your window wells definitely need to be attached to the foundation of your home. This is mostly for safety reasons. Depending on where you live, your window wells can brave some pretty harsh elements.
Do basement window wells need covers?
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.
What do you do with basement window wells?
Spruce up your Existing Well1 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.
Do window well covers keep water out?
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.
How do you cover basement windows for winter?
Rigid Foam For basement and attic windows you don't need to see out of, cover the panes with a piece of foam board glued to ⅜-inch drywall. Cut pieces to fit snugly inside the frame, press the foam side against the glass, then simply pop out when you want to let in sunlight.
Do it yourself window well covers?
0:052:38How to Make a DIY Custom Window Well Cover Easy ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can see here at the top it's kind of clear corrugated plastic roofing that you kind ofMoreAnd you can see here at the top it's kind of clear corrugated plastic roofing that you kind of overlap with one another they come in these little sheets. And you cut them down with some tin snips.
How deep should a basement window well be?
Generally, a window well needs to be 8 inches deeper than the windowsill and about 6 inches wider than the window itself.
How do you seal a window well?
How to Waterproof Your Basement Window Wells1 – 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.
Why does my window well 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.
How can I make my own window well cover?
0:052:38How to Make a DIY Custom Window Well Cover Easy, Waterproof, and ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can see here at the top it's kind of clear corrugated plastic roofing that you kind ofMoreAnd you can see here at the top it's kind of clear corrugated plastic roofing that you kind of overlap with one another they come in these little sheets. And you cut them down with some tin snips.
Can you cover a window well with a deck?
Escape Through a Deck If the well's depth is greater than 44 inches (R310. 2.1), a window well serving an emergency opening must be equipped with a permanently mounted ladder. With the addition of a deck, the depth is measured from the bottom of the well to the top of the decking.
How much does a window well cover cost?
The average price for a window well cover installation is $705, and the project price ranges from $370 to $1,115. The price depends on the type, size, and material of your chosen well cover.
How do you keep leaves out of window wells?
Out of all the ways to keep leaves out of your window wells, custom basement window well covers are the most effective solution. Custom fitting a durable window well cover will prevent leaves, rocks, twigs, and a bevy of other debris from entering and wreaking havoc.
What is a window well cover?
Window well covers also protect from intruders (both animal and human) as well as leaves and debris. More importantly, they keep children and adults from accidentally falling into the window well. Prefabricated flat window well covers can be purchased in all shapes and sizes. Once installed, they will keep your wells protected from ...
Why cover window wells?
Perhaps you are planning on covering your window wells due to water collecting in them which can potentially flood your basement. While covering your window wells can alleviate this issue, you’ll also want to address any drainage issues.
What is a good cover for egress windows?
If your egress window is lower in the ground, here is a great DIY window well cover that might fit your needs. Made with with a simple wood frame, corrugated plexiglass roofing, and plexiglass sides, it will also allow a lot of light to enter the basement window. The swinging lid can be easily lifted in case of emergency.
What is an egress window in a basement?
Egress windows are essential if your plans include turning all or part of your basement into a living space; especially if you have no other direct access to the outdoors from your basement. Any covers you include over an egress ...
What are bubble covers made of?
As with the flat covers, these come in many shapes and designs and can be purchased to fit almost any window well. These bubbles are made of durable polycarbonate and allow for head clearance inside the window well.
Can a bubble cover be used for egress?
While not the same shape as prefabricated bubble covers, egress window well covers can also be built with the same head clearance that bubble covers provide. Here, the owner has created an egress window well cover out of wood and plexiglass. The use of plexiglass allows sunlight to enter through the basement window, providing the same amount of natural light as a bubble cover.
Can you use EMT to cover basement windows?
In this video, the owner uses ¾ Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) and greenhouse roofing to construct a window well cover very similar to the flat prefabricated models. If you already own or can borrow an EMT bender, this is a relatively inexpensive way to cover your window wells.
What to do before digging a window well?
Contact your utility companies before you start digging to check for any power, gas, or water lines where you plan on putting the window well .
How to measure a window for a well?
1. Measure the size of your window so you know how large of a well you need. Measure the height and width of your window with a tape measure so you know the dimensions. Add 8 inches (20 cm) to the height and 6 inches (15 cm) to the width measurement you took so the well can fit around the outside of the window .
How to get gravel out of window?
Pour the gravel around the inside and outside of your window well, and pack it down with the bottom of your shovel. Spread the gravel evenly over the area so you have a 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) layer at the bottom of the hole. Make sure the layer of gravel is lower than the window sill or else it could leak into your home.
What happens if a steel well is rusted?
If the steel wells are rusted out, it is most likely that the bolts holding it to the wall are rusted into the wall. The best solution is to raise the new well above the old bolt holes, unless the new window well has different hole locations.
How to get rid of a hole in a window?
Dig a hole that's slightly wider and deeper than the well. Start your hole next to your home's foundation about 6 inches (15 cm) from the side of your window. Shovel the dirt into a wheelbarrow or tarp so it's easy to transport away from the hole.
What to do if you can't fit your foot in the hole?
If you can't fit your foot in the hole to pack the dirt in, use a hoe or a tamper to press the dirt down.
Why do you wear safety glasses when drilling into concrete?
Wear safety glasses whenever you drill into concrete to protect your eyes.
What Is a Window Well Cover?
Window wells are reinforced holes in the ground around below-ground or partially below-ground basement windows. Window wells are designed to hold surrounding earth away from the windows so they can let in light and be opened for ventilation.
What are the considerations when choosing a window well cover?
Choosing a Window Well Cover. There are three main considerations when choosing a window well cover: shape, material (plastic or metal) and strength. Shape: Record the measurements of your window well before shopping for a cover, because it won’t do you much good if it doesn’t fit.
What is a plastic window well cover made of?
Plastic covers are made of polyethylene and polycarbonate. If you choose a plastic window well cover, do your best to find one that’s polycarbonate. This material is much stronger than polyethylene and can handle extreme temperatures better. Metal: Usually flat, horizontal grates, metal window well covers are only meant to let in light ...
How much does a window well cover cost?
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.
Is it dangerous to fall into a window well?
The potential danger to children and animals falling into a window well is serious, and the concerns of wild animals taking shelter in a window well aren’t unfounded. Basement flooding from rain or snow trapped in window wells is a serious problem which is difficult to clean up, and can cause lots of water damage to walls and floors.
Do window wells keep rain out?
Unless they’re combined with a plastic cover, they don’t keep precipitation out. So if you buy one, make sure your window well is outfitted with a drain, or is sheltered by enough roof overhang that water won’t be a problem. Strength: Whether you choose a metal or plastic cover, strength is an important consideration.
What is plexiglass window well cover?
DIY plexiglass window well cover Plans. This material is used to make a very strong window well cover. You will have its services for a long period of time. You will find it costly to buy the materials that are needed.
How to make a well cover look nice?
You can use different colors to make the well cover look nice. There are some additives that you can include such as stickers to make it look nice.
Can you make a well cover with plastic?
DIY plastic window well cover Plans. You can use a plastic to make a well cover. These are the best in places where there is no hot sun. You will have it lasting long. If you stay in a hot place, this kind of a well cover will wear easily due to the weather.
Can you make a window cover from household items?
This kind of a window cover can be made from the household items. It will be easy for you to make it. You will have to keep on repair ing or replacing it since it gets worn out very fast.
Can you fold a rectangular window well cover?
You will find it easy to make this kind of a well cover. This well cover will require you have a big space to store it. This is because, you cannot fold it.
Can you change the size of a well cover?
These well covers that you can change the size. It may be expensive to make such a well cover but in the end it will be economical. You will not need to make another well cover if you widen up your well.
Can you use plastic to cover a well?
You can use a plastic to make a well cover. These are the best in places where there is no hot sun. You will have it lasting long. If you stay in a hot place, this kind of a well cover will wear easily due to the weather.
