All About Window Wells

What is the difference between a livable basement and a dark dungeon?  Light, and preferably natural light.  To make your underground area not seem so underground, you can have good-sized, sturdy window wells installed. 

There are pros and cons to window wells.  On the one hand,

They allow light into an otherwise cut-off space.

They create an opportunity to open screened windows and allow fresh air into the basement area.

On the other hand,

There is a danger of water collecting against the window and against the foundation of your home.

They are often difficult to clean.

It is not uncommon to find a small animal caught in a well.

The main danger to consider is collected water.  To alleviate this problem, it is recommended that you dig the well at least six inches (some professionals would say twelve) below the window level and fill that space with gravel.  This gives the water a place to go, preventing it from collecting and working its way through the seals around the window. 

The foundation, however, is a bit tougher to protect, especially if you live in a high rainfall area.  Water can cause serious cracking to occur, weakening the foundation your house depends on.  To avoid this, it is recommended that you install drainage pipes that begin just under the well and lead the water away from the house.  This can be a difficult and somewhat costly undertaking, depending on how many wells you have, but is worth it when the damage it can prevent is taken into consideration.

The other concerns-debris and the occasional hapless critter-can be prevented by installing window well covers.

All that said, window wells can still be a great addition to your home.  Natural light cannot be replicated and the combination of it and a fresh breeze can transform your rumpus or media room.

Basic installation of window wells is a fairly simple process:

A semi-circle hole is dug to a depth of six to twelve inches below where the bottom of the window (or where the window will be).

A pre-formed piece of galvanized steel is placed around the wall of the hole.

The steel is bolted to the foundation.

Gravel is poured up to the bottom of the window.

If you think a drainage system will be needed, it is easier and less expensive to install it at the time of original construction. 

More information on window wells