How To Install A Window Well With Drainage

How to Install a Basement Window Well

Installing a basement window well is a great mode to meliorate the ventilation and lighting in your basement. It can also be a great way to increase the value of your habitation.

In this guide, we volition walk you through the steps involved in installing a basement window well. Nosotros will too talk over the different types of window wells available, too as the tools and materials you will need for the job. So with no further ado, allow's get started.

What is a Window Well?

A window well is a hole in the ground that surrounds a window. Window wells are commonly made of concrete, stone, or metallic. They are typically found in basements, but can also be used in other areas of the home.

Window wells help go along the soil around the window from eroding and collapsing. They also provide drainage for water that may enter the window. Additionally, window wells tin provide ventilation and calorie-free for a basement.

Dissimilar Types of Window Wells

There are many different types of window wells available on the market. The type of window well you choose will depend on the size and shape of your window, as well equally your budget.

Some common types of window wells include:

Concrete Window Wells - Concrete window wells are a popular selection for many homeowners. They are durable, and piece of cake to maintain.
Stone Window Wells - Stone window wells are a more natural choice. They can be fabricated from a variety of materials, including brick, stone, and mortar.
Metal Window Wells - Metal window wells are a practiced pick for homeowners who desire a durable option that is also easy to install.

11 Steps To Install A Window Well

There are many reasons why learning how to install a window well is a good idea. Window wells can provide ventilation, light, and drainage for your basement. They tin likewise increase the value of your domicile.

If you're considering installing a window well, here are 11 steps to aid you get the job done:

Step 1 - Gather The Supplies

Earlier you begin, y'all will need to assemble the supplies for the job. Here are some tools and items that you lot will most likely demand:

TOOLS

Hammer Drill - Information technology will assist you lot make a hole in the concrete. Its size should be only big enough for the window to fit snugly.
Hammer - To chisel out the hole for your window, you will need a hammer. A sledgehammer is best if you have one, but a regular hammer will piece of work too.
Chisel - Y'all will also demand a chisel to create the pigsty for your window. A cold chisel or masonry chisel will work best.
Measuring record - Y'all'll demand this to measure the dimensions of your window opening, too as the thickness of your concrete wall.
Level - This is important for making sure your window is level.
Shovel - Y'all will need this to dig a trench around the perimeter of your window opening.
Saw - Yous volition need a saw to cut the lumber for your window frame.

MATERIALS

Concrete saw or masonry blade for your circular saw - You will need this to cutting through the concrete.
Cinder blocks or brick (if needed) - These will exist used to back up the window frame.
Mortar mix - This volition be used to fill in the gaps effectually the window.
Gravel (if needed) - This will be used to fill up in the trench effectually the window.
Window - Make sure yous get a window that is the right size, and has the proper specifications for an egress window.
Lumber - You will need lumber to build the frame for your window.

PROTECTIVE GEAR

Safety goggles or spectacles - You lot volition demand these to protect your eyes from the physical dust or sawdust.
Dust mask - This will assistance protect your lungs from physical dust and sawdust.
Earplugs or earmuffs - These will help protect your ears from the dissonance of the concrete saw.

Step 2 - Plan out the location of the Window Well

The first step is to determine the location of the window well. It is important to cull a location that will let for adequate ventilation and drainage. You'll also desire to avert placing the window well too close to any trees or shrubs.

One time you lot have chosen the location, utilize a tape measure window to determine the size of the window opening. The minimum size for an egress window is 24″ x 36″.

Step three - Select a window well that matches the window'southward dimensions

At present that you know the size of your window, you tin can select a window well that meets those dimensions.

There are many different types and sizes of window wells available on the market. The type of window well you choose will depend on the size and shape of your window, likewise as your budget.

Some common types of window wells include:

Rectangular window wells - These are the most mutual types of window well. They are available in a wide variety of sizes, and can be custom-made to fit your window opening.
Square window wells - Square window wells are a practiced choice for smaller windows. They are too less expensive than rectangular window wells.
Round window wells - Circular window wells are excellent if y'all're envisioning a larger window. They tin can also be used to create a unique look for your dwelling house.

Pace iv - Dig a hole for the well

In one case y'all take selected a window well, it's fourth dimension to start digging. Begin by excavating a hole that is large enough to accommodate the size of the window well. The depth of the hole should be about 12 inches.

Next, use a shovel to dig a trench effectually the perimeter of the opening. The trench should be about 12 inches wide, and 12 inches deep.

Step 5 - Create a drain hole using an auger

After you have excavated the pigsty and trench, information technology's time to create a bleed pigsty. This will allow any water that enters the window well to drain out.

To create the drain hole, employ an auger to drill a pigsty in the bottom of the trench. The size of the pigsty should exist about four inches in bore.

Step 6 - Fill the drain hole with a gravel

Once you have created the drain hole, information technology's fourth dimension to fill it with gravel. This will help to keep the drain hole articulate and prevent any blockages.

To fill the drain hole, simply pour a layer of gravel into the bottom of the trench. The depth of the gravel should be nigh four inches.

Pace 7 - Put the well Into the hole

Now it's fourth dimension to put the window well into the hole. Begin by placing the window well into the hole and aligning it with the opening in your foundation.

Adjacent, use a level to make sure that the window well is level. One time yous have done this, you lot can brainstorm to fill in and around the perimeter of the window well.

Step 8 - Spiral the well into identify

Once you take set the window well into identify and filled it in around it, the next footstep is to screw the well into place. This will aid keep it secure, and preclude information technology from moving.

To do this, simply utilize drill airplane pilot holes to spiral four screws into the corners of the window well.

Stride nine - Cascade gravel alongside the outer edges of the well

The side by side step is to pour gravel aslope the outer edges of the window well. This will help go on the soil in place, and foreclose erosion.

To do this, simply pour a layer of gravel around the perimeter of the window well. The depth of the gravel should be about 2 inches.

Stride 10 - Put a embrace over the well

The final step is to put a encompass over the well. This will help keep debris and animals out of the well. There are many different types of covers available on the market, so option one that best suits your needs and preferred aesthetic.

The blazon of cover you lot choose will depend on the size and shape of your window well, equally well as your budget.

Some common types of covers include:

Plastic covers - Plastic covers are a good choice for smaller window wells. They are less expensive than metal covers, and can be easily installed.
Metal covers - Metal covers are a good choice for larger window wells. They are more durable than plastic covers, and tin can provide a better fit.

Step 11 - Savour your new basement window well

You lot've now learned how to install a basement window well. As you'll be able to tell, this is an excellent fashion to add together natural light and ventilation to your basement.

If you lot follow these steps, you'll be able to enjoy your new window well for years to come. All that existence said, we understand that installing a window well can be a daunting task for anyone without the skills or materials required. Then, if yous feel you are under equipped for this project, yous can always contact a professional for assistance about replacing basement windows. They'll be able to install your window well for you, equally well equally give you lot communication on how to clean and maintain it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I utilise a drain cap, or an open up-ended bleed?

It is best to utilise a drain cap to keep droppings and animals out of your window well.

Do basement windows need to be vented?

Basement windows practise not demand to be vented if they are properly sealed.

What is a perforated tube drain?

A perforated tube bleed is a type of drainage pipage that has holes in information technology. This allows water to drain through the pipe and into the window well.

What is the purpose of a foundation wall?

The purpose of a foundation wall is to support the weight of the house, and proceed it from settling.

Installing a basement window well is a groovy manner to add together natural light and ventilation to your basement. If you lot follow these steps, you'll exist able to bask your new window well for years to come. If you have any questions, exist sure to ask a professional for assistance. They can not merely give you the assist you require, they will also likely be able to complete the task for you if you aren't as well sure about doing it yourself.

Source: https://www.basementguides.com/how-to-install-a-basement-window-well/

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