What can you do with a window well?
- emergency egress.
- to prevent moisture damage to basement windows that are at or below grade.
- to allow sunlight into a below-grade room that would otherwise require artificial lighting.
- 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 to construct a window well?
Required Materials for this Egress Window Well Project
- 1/4-in. x 1-1/2-in. concrete screws
- 3-in. deck screws
- 3/4-in. gravel
- 3/8-in. x 10-in. spikes
- 4 x 6 treated timbers
- 4-mil Plastic sheeting
- Exterior stain
- Fabric spikes
- Landscape fabric
- Pea gravel
Why do you need a window well?
by Window Well Experts. 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 to install basement window wells?
Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Digging the Well and Drain Holes
- Measure the size of your window so you know how large of a well you need. ...
- Find a prefabricated well that fits the size of your window. Window wells come in various styles so choose one that looks best with the rest of your home.
- Dig a hole that's slightly wider and deeper than the well. ...
How do I build window well covers?
Tools needed for making dIY window well cover
- Adjustable Wrench (Check right angle impact wrench & torque wrench)
- Painter's Tape
- Tape Measure
How can I make my window well look better?
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!
What is a window well used for?
Window wells allow windows to be used by escaping occupants and emergency crews attempting to enter the house; to prevent moisture damage to basement windows that are at or below grade.
Can you fill in a window well?
Drains can be connected to interior or exterior drain tile or can be run to daylight where a proper slope exists. With a well-constructed and properly maintained drain, a window well should never fill with water. Of course, some home builders will take short cuts with window wells and install them without drains.
How do you decorate the inside of a window well?
Add background scenery – decorate the inside of the window well wall with a mural, mosaic, stones. Add a fountain, suncatchers, or whatever is pleasing to you. Lighting – add a lantern, string lights, fairy lights, or flameless candles.
Should I put rocks in my 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?
Window well covers are also crucial for your and your family's safety. A misstep can cause people or pets to fall into the well without a cover, risking potentially serious injury.
Can you remove window well?
Remove the old window well. Removal methods vary depending on how the window well is fastened to the wall. Use a drill or pry bar to unfasten or otherwise loosen the steel from the wall if it is securely attached.
What do you fill a window well with?
Filling in Around the Well. Fill the bottom 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) of the window well with gravel. 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.
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.”
Can you paint basement window wells?
If you would like to paint your window wells, you'll contend with a pair of complications. First, because window wells are comprised of slick, nonporous metal, they are ill-suited for paint adhesion. You must condition the window wells to accept paint by abrading them with a special type of primer.
How do you make a window well into a greenhouse?
5:1510:48window well greenhouse - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere. Just out of two by. Fours. Just done it two by fours and as you saw I just lifted it upMoreHere. Just out of two by. Fours. Just done it two by fours and as you saw I just lifted it up because not only is this you know I want to turn this into like a greenhouse.
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 to do if you have a straight drop down window?
Remember, if you have a straight drop-down window well, make sure you have a covering over it like a metal grating or a clear, plastic cover (plastic ones aren’t such an eye-sore, let in more light, and are more easily removed in case of emergency—just so ya know).
How do egress windows help?
Egress windows have helped solve that problem by clearing out space in the ground, installing a window in the basement, and supporting the surrounding ground with a window well. The problem is, these still don’t always allow tons of light in AND, let’s face it, they’re just kind of ugly.
What to use as a backdrop for a rock wall?
You won’t be ashamed to open the blinds and let in the light if you have a gorgeous rock wall as a backdrop! 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!
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.
What is a window well?
Window wells are curved or rectangular galvanized steel or polyethylene shields that attach to the side of the house, supporting the earth and blocking debris, leaves, and moisture from reaching the basement window. Window wells only help with debris and moisture at ground-level.
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.
Can a basement be used as a living space?
Without windows, a basement has far less utility as a living space. In many cases, the basement cannot be used as a living space, under the local building code. Day-light basements have one or more walls at grade level. This means that you can walk straight out and be on the ground, no steps up necessary.
What is a window well?
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. Window well covers are sheets of material, usually metal or plastic, designed to fit over window wells ...
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 ...
Can rain damage windows?
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. The protection offered by window well covers can help give you peace of mind whenever there’s a heavy rainfall or snowfall.
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.
