Window wells are primarily constructed for the following reasons:
- Natural light: Window wells allow sunlight into basement rooms that would otherwise need artificial lighting
- Prevent moisture damage: Window wells prevent water damage through windows that are positioned at or below grade. They...
- Emergency egress: If the windows serve living areas, emergency escape areas...
What is a window well and how does it work?
Incidentally, window wells aren’t just for you to get out, but they also provide a place for emergency service providers to get in and help. By keeping the earth far from the windows, window wells and their walls prevent water in the ground from entering your basement.
What is the purpose of a window well cover?
While various types are available (mesh, plastic bubble covers, grill-type, etc.), their purpose remains simple; prevent debris from entering the window well by providing a physical barrier between the well and the elements. Most covers are designed to still permit light to enter your basement, too.
Why install a window well in your basement?
Your basement windows are a great source of natural light, and our window wells only enhance it. By clearing out the area around your windows, a window well provides sunlight with a clear path into your basement.
What are window wells made out of?
They are usually built from a solid barrier made from masonry, pressure-treated wood, plastic, or corrugated galvanized metal. Why Are Window Wells Constructed? Prevent moisture damage: Window wells prevent water damage through windows that are positioned at or below grade.
What are basement window wells used?
However, many basements are fully underground. That's why there needs to be a basement window well together with the window. This window well supports the earth in the dig-out and prevents dirt from collapsing onto the window. It also allows the window to provide views and ventilation.
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.
Do windows need well?
Window wells are necessary if the home has any windows below grade—like basement windows. In many jurisdictions, building codes require all below-grade windows to have wells that meet certain specifications. Check your local building codes to be sure.
What do you put in a window well?
A common method to help with window well drainage is to place several inches of gravel at the bottom. This will allow the water to dissipate into the ground slowly to the weeping tile system, rather than sit in the soil next to the window.
Where does window well drain go?
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.
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.
How much does it cost to put in a window well?
Egress Well, Ladder and Cover Cost Egress Window Wells themselves can range from $200 and up, depending on the material used. Pre-manufactured window wells can range from $200-$1500 and custom retaining wall block installations start at $1500. Egress Well Ladder can range from $50-$200 depending on size and materials.
How do you maintain window wells?
0:492:29How to Clean and Maintain a Basement Window Well - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn just be sure the covers you select are easy to remove in case you need an emergency access to theMoreIn just be sure the covers you select are easy to remove in case you need an emergency access to the window tip number four keep liners in line.
How much does a window well cover cost?
Cost and Longevity 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.
Can you plant in window wells?
Shade-loving annuals grow fast, are easy to care for and provide color in low-light areas. In containers or planted in the ground of a window well, annuals like impatiens, coleus, begonias, perilla, polka-dot plant, viola and fuchsia can provide a colorful display in your window wells from spring until frost.
How do you stop window wells from flooding?
The simplest way to prevent flooding in your window wells is to install a window well cover. A clear polycarbonate window well cover will block water from pooling up inside your well without blocking sunlight on sunny days.
How deep do window wells need to be?
Your window well needs to be at least 10 to 12 inches below the window opening. You'll also want to leave at least 3 inches of the window well above the surface grade.
How do I keep my window well dry?
A window well cover is a transparent cover that is installed over the window well and shields it from incoming water while still allowing light to come through. This is the most effective method of keeping a window well dry.
How do you keep a window well from flooding?
The simplest way to prevent flooding in your window wells is to install a window well cover. A clear polycarbonate window well cover will block water from pooling up inside your well without blocking sunlight on sunny days.
How do you waterproof 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.
How do I keep water out of my egress window?
Consider installing covers over the egress window wells. This curved, translucent piece of durable plastic helps keep leaves, debris, water, and moisture out of the window well and away from your basement. The secure piece also allows more natural light into the basement.
What is a window well?
A window well is a U-shaped, ribbed metal or plastic product available in most home hardware stores. It’s designed to fit around basement windows,...
Are window wells necessary for my basement?
Window wells are necessary if the home has any windows below grade—like basement windows. In many jurisdictions, building codes require all below-g...
What is the best material for window wells?
Concrete window wells are the best, being durable and long-lasting. They may be more difficult to install, but the effort is worthwhile. Plastic or...
How deep should a window well be?
Usually, a window well should be about 20 cm deeper than the bottom of the window, and about 15 cm wider. Local building codes may stipulate differ...
What is a window well?
Let’s start with the basics. A window well is a U-shaped, ribbed metal or plastic product available in most home hardware stores. It’s designed to fit around basement windows, providing a space between the window and the surrounding earth to allow light into sub-grade structures. In some cases, window wells also provide an emergency point of egress. But, some homeowners aren’t aware that properly installed window wells also play an important role in draining excess rainwater away from your foundation. But, how do they work?
Why do we need to maintain window wells?
The primary concern for maintaining window wells relates to debris (most often leaves and other organic matter) that falls into the well , clogging the drainage system. This can result in a back up of water, which exerts pressure against the glass.
Why do window wells need to be dug out?
Insecure fastening: As your house settles, window wells can become misaligned with the foundation. This allows dirt to push in and clog the drainage system. If this happens, the window well may need to be dug out again, and a new well attached to the home. Window wells should always fit tightly against the basement wall.
How to prevent water damage from window wells?
They advise homeowners to ensure that the outer edges of their window wells sit tight and flush against the basement wall in order to prevent leaks. Click here to take a look at the guide in full.
How to tell if basement window is draining?
Water on the floor beneath the basement window: To determine whether drainage is the problem, run water from a hose into the well to see how quickly it drains away. The water level may rise above its base, but shouldn’t approach the bottom of the window. If water is draining as it should, there may be a completely different issue, such as a crack in the home’s foundation near the window, which is allowing water to enter.
Why do you put a plastic well in a window?
Once drainage has been taken care of , the plastic or steel window well is placed in the hole to prevent the earth from falling back in. The remaining space surrounding the window well is filled with dirt which should be compacted and graded so that water drains away from, not towards, the window.
How deep is a window well?
Usually, this hole is dug to a depth of around 1 foot beneath the bottom of the window sill . Before the window well itself is installed, it’s important to consider drainage.
What is a window well?
Window Wells Beautify Your Basement. Your basement windows are a great source of natural light, and our window wells only enhance it . By clearing out the area around your windows, a window well provides sunlight with a clear path into your basement.
How do window wells save energy?
Even when it’s not preventing damage, your window well will save you money by keeping your window clean and letting the sunshine in.
What happens if you don't have a window well?
Window Wells Shield Your Home. Without a securely covered window well, your home is vulnerable to a variety of destructive forces. Rain, snow and ice can collect outside your basement windows or vents, increasing the risk of flooding and water damage to your home’s exterior.
Can a window well collapse?
An improperly protected window area can even collapse, causing serious property damage to your window and your basement. Window Well Experts’ window wells and covers are sturdily constructed, and because they’re made to install easily and fit your house precisely, they won’t leak, rust, buckle or crack under pressure.
Why are window wells important?
Window wells are primarily constructed for the following reasons: Natural light: Window wells allow sunlight into basement rooms that would otherwise need artificial lighting. Prevent moisture damage: Window wells prevent water damage through windows that are positioned at or below grade. They prevent soil from accumulating in openings in ...
Why do window wells need to be constructed?
These wells must be constructed by professionals because, if done incorrectly, they may present greater problems in the future. They have their pros and cons, and here is what you need to know regarding these aspects of window wells.
What is a window well cover?
Structural Security. Window well covers keep debris and water out of your window wells and far from your windows to prevent water leaks. This protects your home’s foundation and walls and preserves their structural integrity. Window well covers are available in a broad range of clear and UV resistant varieties that won’t interfere with ...
Why is my window well not flood proof?
Window well flooding can be caused by poor installation. Whether it is from lack of sufficient drainage, gravel layer contamination , or incorrect window well sizing, your window well may not be flood-proof.
Can windows stop water?
The most frequent and challenging window well problem is flooding. By nature, windows don’t stop water. They can stop raindrops, but not three inches of the pond that has just formed in your window well. Water gushing down into your basement can ruin your carpet, furniture, and other precious items. The floods can even snuff out your furnace.
Do you need a window well in a basement?
However, they have many advantages and they are a crucial structural component of your home. If you have a basement in your home then you need a window well. Here are the advantages of window wells.
Is a deep window well dangerous?
Deep window wells can be hazardous to young children and pets. The well covers prevent accidental falls into the wells, and most of them can support several hundred pounds of weight.
What Is a Window Well?
Older basements, if they had windows, kept the windows at a minimum and kept them small. The low light and controlled temperatures were necessary for long-term storage of canned goods, root vegetables, and other items. But modern homes have expanded the concept of a basement far beyond that of a storage area. So, the basements in these homes require larger windows, and more of them.
How do window wells work?
How Window Well and Well Covers Work. Metal or plastic window wells are the solution to a window well collapse. Window wells act like a permanent storm door for your basement window, providing extra protection for this high-impact area. Window wells fit into an existing well. Window wells are curved or rectangular galvanized steel ...
How big should an egress window be?
Horizontal dimensions should be large enough to allow the window or door to be fully opened. The total area of the well should be at least 9 square feet.
What causes a window well to collapse?
Window wells often start with sturdy and solid dirt sides but deteriorate with the elements. Rain, snow, ground drainage, and human and animal contact all contribute to the collapse of the window well sides. These sides might eventually collapse onto your window, as well.
What happens if you put dirt on a window?
Dirt banked up onto your window eventually ruins the window and even your home's structure. Dirt is a vehicle for termites and carpenter ants, both of which can burrow into your home's structure and destroy it. Water-laden dirt acts as a conduit to invite tree roots and water into your house.
How high should a well be?
The height of the well should be no more than 44 inches, as higher well walls are considered to be hindrances to escape in the event of an emergency. As always, check with your local permitting office to verify building codes in your area about basement egress, window wells, and window well covers. Read More.
Why are basement windows exposed?
Keeping basement windows exposed means that anything that is located outside and on-grade can potentially reach your window. Basement windows tend to get a real beating from water dripping off of roofs and from ground-flow rain, so they deteriorate quickly.
What are window well covers made of?
Window well covers are barriers typically made of galvanized metal, plastic, and several other types of protective materials.
What is a widow well in a basement?
What is a basement window well? To put it simply, a basement widow well is a hollowed-out piece of foundation built around the windows in a basement. Window wells are specifically used for basements that are completely underground.
Can you build a window well in a basement?
Window well construction. There’s more to construct ing basement window wells than just digging a hole on one side of your basement and installing a window. Once the foundation has been excavated to allow window well access, you’ll have to install a window well cover.
Do you need a cover for a basement window well?
The cover shouldn’t just cover the interior walls of the window well—you’ll need some sort of cover on the top, too. All these components will ensure a comfortable view with no additional damage to your home. As you can see, basement window wells are very simple concepts that can bring a vast amount of comfort to your basement.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
Is a window well cover safe?
When our window well covers are used at your home, you can rest assured your window well is safe for you and your family protected from snow, debris, and rain that would otherwise collect in your window well and possibly leak into your basement. Our heavy-duty window wells can be made in various sizes, meaning no matter the style of your window well, we can build you a cover to fit!
Do window wells come with covers?
Window wells do not come standard with covers and must be purchased separately. Covers are an added option to improve safety and to keep dirt, debris and animals out of your window well. Wells over 42'' wide include galvanized steel channel reinforcements for added strength.
Can you build a vinyl window well without a cover?
Transform your unsightly old window wells with our 100% maintenance free vinyl window wells. Our wells can be custom built with or without covers. Although a well cover is highly recommended to keep out debris, to prevent animals from falling into the well and to eliminate snow, rain and leaves from entering your 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 .
Why do you put gravel in a window well?
The gravel will help improve the window well's drainage so water doesn't pool up or flood into your basement.
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 is a drain tube?
The drain tube will help divert water out of the well toward your home's weeping tile, which is the underground drainage pipe that moves water away from your home.
Why do you wear safety glasses when drilling into concrete?
Wear safety glasses whenever you drill into concrete to protect your eyes.
