Are basement window well covers necessary?
Anyone with below-ground egress windows with window wells should protect them with window well covers. 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.
What is code for egress window well?
Basement Egress Window Requirements The bottom of the egress window opening can’t exceed 44″ from the finished floor. The minimum opening area of the egress window is 5.7 square feet. The minimum egress window opening height is 24″ high. The minimum egress window opening is 20″ wide.
Are window well covers worth it?
The reason you may want a cover for your metal window well is that the window well is simply designed to have problems with drainage and maintenance. Having a cover for your metal window well will help keep the snow, leaves, water, and even animals out. More importantly, it can help with the problems with drainage.
How deep should a egress window well be?
To meet egress window requirements, the window well should be 64 inches wide by 36 inches in projection and between 3 to 5 feet deep (based on how far above/below grade the window will sit). For aesthetic purposes, it’s best to center the egress window in the window well.
How do you calculate an egress window?
Egress Window Size – How to Measure:
- Measure from the maximum grade level (ground level) down to the floor level of the basement.
- Subtract 28″ from dimension A to get the minimum required height of the Egress Window Well.
How much does it cost to install a window well cover?
Most homeowners spend between $414 to $680 nationally. Get free estimates from local contractors who can Install a Window Well Cover….$414. to. $680.
| National Average Cost | $605 |
|---|---|
| Maximum Cost | $1,500 |
| Average Range | $414 to $680 |
Do plastic window well covers work?
The plastic is thin enough to be cost-effective and prevent some water and debris from entering the well. Yet the plastic, being so thin, is not conducive to supporting the weight of an animal or child. These types of covers are not great for high traffic areas despite their initial low price tag.
How do you keep water out of window wells?
Here’s what you can do to keep as much water away from your house as possible:
- Fix grading to make sure it slopes away from the foundation.
- Keep your gutters clear of debris and in good working condition.
- Extend downspouts away from the house to keep roof runoff from pouring next to the foundation.