Are you thinking of putting up a window well? Once completed, the window well like any other home renovation project has a lot of fantastic experiences. So, what exactly are window wells?
If you’ve ever been in a basement with a window, you’ve most likely seen one. These are holes made around a window positioned below the floor level.
The law requires every underground basement to have an escape route during an emergency here. In that case, window wells can act as exits in times of danger.
Before you consider installing a window well and well drainage, learn everything you need to know in this article.
Legal Requirements
There are specific laws and regulations that control the legal needs of any structure. Every home must have a point of egress as an emergency escape point, according to the International Residential Code (IRC).
The egress should open onto a backyard or a court that opens onto a public route, according to IRC guidelines.
Bedrooms, basements, and attics are the most suitable places where egress is required. All underground basements can benefit from windows with window drainage for effective egress.
The window drainage, on the other hand, must have at least 36″ in width, a depth of 44″ if it has no ladder and a projection of 36″ from the wall.
Installation Cost
Installing a window can convert a grimy basement to a pleasant room with enough sunlight that can be used for many factions, including relaxation and recreation purposes, thus having a window well can be fun.
The cost of a window well varies depending on the structure’s size, shape, and depth, as well as the material utilized in the installation. When all aspects are considered, the price for a sophisticated window well with a semi-circular shape is between $350 and $2,100.
Due to the labor and additional materials required, the cost of a large rectangular window well can range from $400 to $2600.
Window well Construction
A good window well can withstand high temperatures, frost, and UV rays. Because of excellent drainage, gravel is the preferred material at the bottom of the window well.
Depending on your budget, several materials are utilized to construct window drainage wells. The drainage well can have exterior drains or interior drains.
Plastics are the least expensive material and are widely available at all local hardware stores, but they do not provide a lasting solution because you will need to reinstall them after a few seasons.
Steel window wells last longer than plastics but will need to be replaced at some point. Hardened plastics are some of the most durable materials, but they are also the most expensive. A properly constructed and maintained window well should never hold water.
Most of the windows have a weep hole to allow water to drain properly. If these weep holes become clogged, water may accumulate and leak through the walls, flooding the basement.
When installing a window well, the first step is to dig a hole. Secondly, the drainage is installed, and finally, the wall is installed. Place it to complete the installation process.
Cleaning the Window Well Weep Hole
A window well, such as a vinyl window, have weep holes that enable water to escape. Water enters the window well as rainwater percolates through the brick walls.
Water flows through the rear outside if the holes are not clogged. Keeping your window well in operational condition will necessitate regular inspections and maintenance.
If weep holes become clogged with debris and cannot function correctly, water may leak into the sill wood, causing it to rot. This can lead to a hefty repair price.
How can you tell if the weep hole is clogged? Tick a piece of wire through the little hole, and if you notice a crusty substance buildup, you have lime-scale. In that scenario, you should clean the area on a regular basis to minimize basement flooding, which could harm the floor.
Wipe the entrance with a gentle brush for effective weep hole cleaning. Make sure the weep holes are free of construction materials, sand, dead animals, and plant detritus.
If you see any signs of leakage, examine the drain first to ensure that no objects are clogging the drains. And if you discover another problem throughout the procedure, consider obtaining professional assistance to determine the source of the problem and provide a remedy.
Keeping the Water Out of the Window Wells
A window well cover can be installed on top of the window well to keep water and debris out. Some people prefer mesh wire, although there are more sophisticated covers that can be locked.
Window covers are relatively inexpensive and may be purchased at any hardware shop.
If you want to install more expensive and complex coverings, the cost might range from $100 to $500, depending on the quality, size, and shape.
Window well coverings reduce the accidents as visitors or children might fall inside.
Fixing a Broken Window Well
Ensure window well maintenance by eye for any holes or cracks in the window well. If you notice cracks forming in the window well, you should consider repairing them as soon as possible. Ignoring the cracks will only make matters worse.
The most common window well problem is nerve-racking, but repairing these gaps is worthwhile. It is critical to pay attention to the amount of gravel. Gravel is useful for enhancing window well drainage.
Incorrect gravel placement, on the other hand, may result in congestion.
Keep Your Window Well Working With Good Drainage
Debris, sand, and mud can clog the window well drainage system, causing flooding. If you have a window well in your underground basement that is experiencing water leaks, you need an expert to help you reverse the issue.
Depending on the severity of your damage, a professional will design a customized action plan and strategy to ensure optimal window drainage efficiency.
This is an unavoidable cost to protect your basement. Contact Armored Basement Waterproofing if you need expert advice or assistance.
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