Secure a cover on top of the well to prevent anything from getting inside. Get a window well cover that matches the size of your window well and place it over the opening. If you want the cover permanently installed, make holes in your foundation with a hammer drill and a masonry bit before securing the cover in place with anchors.
Full Answer
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. ...
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 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 to install prefabricated window wells?
Window well installation steps
- Make a digging template. Set the prefabricated window well next to the house so that it spans the window evenly. ...
- Dig the hole. Move the window well out of the way and start digging the hole. ...
- Clean the side of the house. After you have all of the dirt cleared, wash the side of the house. ...
- Install the window well. ...
- Backfill the hole. ...
What to do if someone breaks your basement windows?
What happens if you put a light in front of your basement windows?
Why is window film important?
How to stop a suspicious house from being cased?
What is a window sensor?
How to keep old furniture under window?
What to do if you don't have a home security system?
See 2 more
How do you secure a window well cover?
1:485:09Installing A Window Well Guard - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust want to make sure you hold this plastic hot tight because it can crack whoops that's enough toMoreJust want to make sure you hold this plastic hot tight because it can crack whoops that's enough to drill a screw hole. Through i'm gonna do this to each one. And okay just enough for a screw hole.
How do you attach a basement window well cover?
0:041:31Window Well Covers Installation Guide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPeel away the protective film slightly to reveal each hole. Place the included mounting bracket inMorePeel away the protective film slightly to reveal each hole. Place the included mounting bracket in screw through each hole and tighten the nut with your fingers.
How do you anchor a window well?
1:414:46Installing Window Wells - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI use tap comms but in Easton my anchor would work through those holes and into the foundation ofMoreI use tap comms but in Easton my anchor would work through those holes and into the foundation of the house to keep them snug.
How do you seal a window well to foundation?
0:092:01Perma-Seal DIY Series: Maintaining Your Window Wells - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt holds back the dirt and holds back the water from filling in and coming in through our window aMoreIt holds back the dirt and holds back the water from filling in and coming in through our window a properly done area well is going to have a window well drain. In this scenario.
Should window well be attached to foundation?
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.
How do you attach a window well to a concrete foundation?
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 I keep water out of my basement window wells?
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.
What should I put in my basement window well?
1:592:29How to Clean and Maintain a Basement Window Well - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlacing a few inches of gravel at the base of your window. Well can help rain water trickle slowlyMorePlacing a few inches of gravel at the base of your window. Well can help rain water trickle slowly into your drainage. System as opposed to pooling around your foundation.
How deep should a basement window well be?
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.
Should you caulk window well covers?
Re-Caulk Your Window Linings Sometimes a simple solution is all that's needed to stop water from entering through your window wells. Caulking your windows can help seal small gaps that may have opened or prevent gaps from forming where the seals were beginning to fray.
Will window well covers keep water 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.
Should snow be removed from window wells?
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. If you find that it is too awkward to clean the snow out of this space, invest in a window well cover.
How do window well covers work?
Window well covers are sheets of material, usually metal or plastic, designed to fit over window wells and prevent people or animals from falling in. They're also meant to keep rainwater and snow from collecting in window wells, where they could cause basement flooding.
How do you make an egress window well cover?
0:166:58How to build a Large Window Well Cover for Egress - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so now I'm going to start working on that part of it I'm gonna start with a base lay down aMoreAnd so now I'm going to start working on that part of it I'm gonna start with a base lay down a little base here. Then I cut the angle on to match the angle of the acrylic.
Do window well covers come in different sizes?
Window well covers come in different shapes and lengths to fit window wells of various sizes. Materials vary also, from polycarbonate to plastic. Certain types and sizes may work better for your window wells, depending on climate, their size, and what you need to keep out of the wells (like pets or children).
How do you install a window well drain?
1:046:57How To Add Drainage To A Window Well-Preventing Leaks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you want to do is you want to essentially dig down. Until you either hit gravel or if youMoreSo what you want to do is you want to essentially dig down. Until you either hit gravel or if you don't hit gravel then just keep digging you want to get probably about at least two feet worth of
Amazon.com: basement window security bars
SECURITYMAN Window Security Bar - Easy Install for Horizontal/Vertical Windows - Adjustable Window Lock Bar (Child Proof/Heavy Duty Iron) - Extendable (14.25" to 37") Security Bars for Windows - Black
Amazon.com: basement window security
Defender Security S 4776 Operable Window Guard, 22 in. - 38 in. x 21-1/4 in., Steel, White, 4-Bar, Egress Compliant
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.
How to keep dirt from getting in window well?
As you place the dirt inside, periodically press down on it with your foot or the shovel. This will help ensure the dirt packs tightly enough around your window well. Leave a few inches of the window well sticking above the ground instead of filling it right up to the brim.
How high should a window well be above the ground?
You also must make sure that the edges of the window well’s sides are about three inches from the window itself. The top of the well should raise around three inches above the dirt.
How to fill in a perforated tube?
Use gravel to fill in the empty space between your perforated tube and the walls of the drainage hole all the way until it reaches the drain cap. Doing this is very beneficial for two reasons:
What is an auger for a window well?
An auger is a tool that creates vertical holes that are ideal for window well drains. Use the auger to dig a hole in the center of the window well hole until it strikes the layer of gravel beneath your home’s foundation.
How to keep water from leaking from windowsill?
If the gravel reaches your windowsill, it’s too high. There should be some space between the layer of gravel and your windowsill to avoid water leakage.
How many inches should a perforated tube be?
The diameter of the perforated tube should be four to five inches.
How to dig a hole without a professional?
If you’re doing this without professional help, there are two very important steps to remember: Have a container, like a tarp or a wheelbarrow, nearby so you can place the dirt inside as you dig and then easily transport it from the hole when you’re done.
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.
Do metal window well covers keep rain out?
Usually flat, horizontal grates, metal window well covers are only meant to let in light and prevent falls. 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.
Should you cover a window well?
Anyone with below-ground egress windows with window wells should protect them with window well covers. 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.
What is a window well cover lock?
The metal window well cover locks are slightly different than those for our polycarbonate unbreakable locks. They have a special housing that hides the security lock from intruders trying to reach inside the window well grate.
What is a specialty egress window well cover?
The specialty egress window well cover locks will provide an extra layer of security to your basement fire escape. Thanks to the quick release locking pin, your cover will be both securely fastened to the window well and easy to open from the inside.
How many window well grate locks do you need?
So, you have opted for a metal window well cover to stop debris from piling in your window well. Most aluminum grates are heavy enough to stay in place without the need for a locking mechanism. However, it would help if you still made sure intruders could not use your basement fire escape to break into your home. For that specific purpose, we have locks with housing that can only be opened from the inside.
What is a quick release emergency egress lock?
Our quick release emergency egress locks enable you to help prevent unwanted access to your home through your basement window wells.
How many lock covers do you need for an atrium dome?
Due to the size and style of the atrium dome, you would usually need two cover locks. If you have an extra-large item or aren’t sure how many locks to get, give us a call on 1-888-650-9355! Load more. 1 review for Window Well Locks. Rated 5 out of 5.
What is an atrium dome window well?
The unique cover style that we offer, called Atrium Dome, is custom-made to your window well sizes. It is manufactured to fit your well and allow crank-out windows to open effortlessly. To secure this window well cover style, we offer dome window well cover locks.
Can you get out of a window well without losing a fire exit?
Stop worrying about how to secure your window well covers without losing a vital fire exit. Thanks to our special quick release lock mechanism, getting out through the window well is easy. Getting in is the hard part!
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 to do if someone breaks your basement windows?
The solution? Consider putting window film on your basement windows.
What happens if you put a light in front of your basement windows?
If you put a light in front of your basement windows, you’re more likely to see someone snooping around. Or, if you have motion-detector lights, you might spook that person off when the beam snaps on.
Why is window film important?
The real beauty of window film is that once the window is shattered, the film keeps the shards of glass hanging in place. That dashes the intruder’s hopes of cleanly sliding through the empty window frame.
How to stop a suspicious house from being cased?
Keep eyes on your basement windows through security cameras. Cameras can catch suspicious activity. Plus, their presence can also stop your house from being cased in the first place.
What is a window sensor?
A window sensor consist s of two pieces hooked together by a magnet. When the window opens, the magnet separates, and the sensor sends an alert to inform you of the potential breach. If your home security system is armed at the time, the sensor will also trip the alarm. Top door and window sensors. Provider.
How to keep old furniture under window?
Keeping your old card table or '70s-style sofa directly under the window is like an invitation to use them as stepping stools.
What to do if you don't have a home security system?
If you don’t have a home security system, consider investing in one, even if you only use it in the basement.