| Window wells have had somewhat of a mixed | | | | that the ground grade in the yard is not angled |
| reaction from home owners. They are quite | | | | towards the well. This goes for all ground around the |
| functional and allow a great deal of light into the | | | | house, you just want to have the gravity directed |
| basement. However some aren't always aesthetically | | | | away in general. Also, the ground grade at the |
| pleasing to the eye and take some proper safeguard | | | | bottom of the well should use the same concept. |
| maintenance before they are installed. This article will | | | | Make sure it is a grade facing away from the |
| bounce off some alternatives to what some may | | | | window. |
| think a typical window well is and also provide some | | | | There are systems of drainage too that you can |
| checklist material before embarking on the well dig. | | | | install in your well (usually in the base of the well) that |
| Watch Out When Installing Your Window Well | | | | can create passage for ground water to flow |
| Installing a window well has its pros and cons. Most | | | | through. This coupled with a sump pump can redirect |
| of the cons can be accounted for, which will be | | | | the water outside the well into safe draining areas. |
| touched on later such as the occurrence of possible | | | | As far as rascals and kids falling into the well, there |
| water leakage. I'll back up a bit and go over what is | | | | are plenty of options to buy screens and grates to |
| involved in a window well. | | | | keep that from happening. Screens are sold that |
| Window wells are dug out recesses along the sides a | | | | won't hamper the sunlight too much. |
| house that allow for a window to be installed below | | | | Options to Solve Your Ugly Window Well |
| ground. They are traditionally horseshoe shaped and | | | | Predicament |
| can be either shallow (a foot or two below the | | | | For the most part, construction crews will use a basic |
| surface) to quite deep (the size of a punji-spiked | | | | sheet metal that sort of look like the sheen off of a |
| tiger trap), depending on how much light is desired. | | | | metal grain silo in the summer. It's not a turn-on for |
| The well allows space for a window to be set into | | | | most so there are options that are more attractive. |
| the side of the house that was once below ground. | | | | If you got some cash on hand that is ready to burn |
| Its design is to make a musty basement less dingy | | | | you can actually construct a well that has brick or |
| and to ventilate the space if you install windows that | | | | stonework. But as an alternate there are faux |
| open. | | | | stonework well walls that are already formed |
| The big problem with this is that it's just that -- a | | | | together, which are light and durable, and cheaper in |
| well. It's a hole next to your house so to speak. So | | | | price, similar to home siding. |
| this well is simply going to invite precipitation, lawn | | | | Note that the building code called Egress should be |
| clippings and even animals to fall into it. If the water | | | | implemented into the construction of the well. This |
| filter and screening process is not part of the deal, | | | | basically goes over how the well should be shaped |
| you can face a flooded basement or a warped | | | | and fitted and, even more importantly, how someone |
| window sill among other problems. | | | | can get out (usually by having a ladder or step |
| Ground grade is the first line of attack you will want | | | | system) if they were to fall in. |
| to talk to your contractor or builder with. Make sure | | | | |