How To Install A Window Well

A metal window well can exist installed either during or later construction. While the project is easier during the initial construction process, it'due south still fairly like shooting fish in a barrel to install after the fact. Window wells let you to add together natural low-cal and ventilation to areas of the house under the foundation line.

Decide on Superlative

Some cities have restrictions on the height of a finished window well. In most cases, information technology's just a few inches above the graded land. Check your local codes earlier you decide on the elevation. Remember that the higher the well is, the less of a view the window will provide. A high window well can also restrict the amount of light that enters.

Excavation

Once you know how high the well volition exist, dig out the area. Plan on earthworks a pigsty that is twice the height of the well. If you already have a foundation drain pipe, you can connect to it once you dig. If you don't take a foundation bleed in place, now would be a practiced time to dig a trench for one.

Identify the Well

A metal window well volition be easy to slide into place. Depending on the size of the well you are creating, the metal may be placed in sections. The base department is placed starting time. The rounded sections of the well volition be placed next.

Bolt to Foundation

Nearly window well kits will come with anchors that can be used to go along the well secure against the foundation. Attach these anchors before you lot begin to backfill.

Backfill

To keep the window well secure, use the clay y'all removed during excavation as a backfill. This step can take some time because you will need to fill, pack, then fill the dirt once more. This process needs to be repeated until the well is packed completely. Gravel is used for additional drainage.

Add together Ladder

Most local codes now require a ladder to be placed in any type of egress or welled window to use as an evacuation method. You lot tin by and large purchase a simple hanging ladder to place over the edge of the well. If yous choose to use that, reinforce it to the ground to brand it sturdy.

The other choice is to install a permanent ladder. Y'all can purchase a expert well ladder at any home improvement store. Just bolt it in identify with the provided hardware.

Adding a metal window well is non a simple chore. The excavation process alone tin can take a long time and exist back-breaking piece of work. If the window is large, you may want to consider hiring a contractor, or at least renting some tools.

Yous need to sympathize the importance of foundation drainage before you embark on a project of this magnitude.