Window wells are helpful and useful features for below-grade windows. For homes on sloped lots or with in-ground, below-grade basements, window wells are a consideration. Here’s what to know about window wells, some benefits of window wells, and some considerations for them if you’re thinking about them for your home:

What is a Window Well?

A window well is a retainer that is installed around a below-grade basement window in an excavated area. When talking about egress windows in basements, window wells are a necessary part of the conversation. Window wells are designed to create some space around the window and keep the surrounding soil from pressing against the glass.

Because it creates space around the window, it also allows for natural light to filter in through the window, while improving drainage to keep water out of the basement. Window wells are also designed to have built-in ladders or steps for emergency exits and a means of egress via windows in the basement.

Window wells also vary in design. They can be U-shaped or rectangular. They may be designed to be more structural or flexible. They are typically made from concrete and masonry, metal, plastic, or a combination of these materials. If metal is used, it is usually galvanized corrugated steel, which is both cost-effective and durable. Composite window wells tend to be the most popular and are also durable and cost-effective.

Does Your Basement Need a Window Well?

If your basement is below ground level and/or there is a basement bedroom, your basement needs an egress window with a window well. Even if your basement will not have a bedroom, if it is below ground level and has a window, you will want a window well for structural integrity and to prevent water damage.

If there is a bedroom in the basement, there will be specific size requirements for the window well to meet building codes. Typically, window wells in this case must be at least 9 square feet. Your contractor will be able to work with you and ensure your window well meets building codes for emergency egress.

6 Benefits of Window Wells

These are a few of the biggest benefits of window wells:

1. Window wells provide emergency egress.
2. They improve drainage and prevent water damage.
3. Window wells improve and protect the structural integrity of your home.
4. They allow for more natural light and ventilation in the basement.
5. Window wells help prevent damage from pests.
6. Window well covers improve safety and insulation.

1. Window Wells Provide Emergency Egress

One of the biggest benefits of windows wells is that they provide egress in an emergency. Egress window wells are designed and installed to provide accessible, quick, and safe exits from a below-grade basement in an emergency. Not only does this improve safety and security for people in the basement, but window wells also help meet building codes for basement bedrooms.

2. They Improve Drainage and Prevent Water Damage

Similar to the benefits of retaining walls, window wells improve drainage around basement windows, keep dirt and soil from pressing against windows, and help prevent water damage to basement windows and a home’s foundation.

They are typically built with gravel at the bottom and connecting drains to keep water from pooling and redirect it away from the home’s foundation. Additionally, this helps prevent rust on window exteriors and helps reduce the risk of basement flooding.

3. Window Wells Improve and Protect the Structural Integrity of Your Home

Because window wells provide space and a buffer between below-grade basement windows and the surrounding soil, they help protect the windows and prevent damage to them. With the added drainage and redirecting water away from the foundation, window wells also help protect your home from water damage and help protect the structural integrity of your home. This is why they are often a popular addition for below-grade basements, even when they are not required for emergency egress.

4. They Allow For More Natural Light and Ventilation in the Basement

Bedrooms, brighter living spaces, and more natural light are all basement remodeling trends. Having windows to allow for more natural light in a basement, as well as ventilation when needed, makes a big difference in comfort and the overall atmosphere.

Disregarding the windows and forgetting about natural light are mistakes to avoid with finished basements. However, with basements that are below ground level, it can be difficult to access natural light. With below-grade windows, window wells create some space between the surrounding soil and the window, which allows natural light to reach it.

5. Window Wells Help Prevent Damage From Pests

Window wells create a barrier to keep the surrounding soil and water away from the basement windows. An added bonus is that it’s a barrier that can also keep pests, like insects, rodents, other small animals, etc., away from the window. This is one of the many benefits of a finished basement that you also get with window well covers. A window well with a cover provides better protection and other benefits.

6. Window Well Covers Improve Safety and Insulation

In addition to better protection against pests, window well covers also help improve safety around the window well and insulation for the basement. Window well covers help prevent falls and also help burglar-proof your basement windows.

They allow for easy exit in an emergency from the basement, while blocking unwanted access to it from the outside. Well-built window wells equipped with window well covers also add insulation to your home, which helps to increase energy efficiency.

7 Considerations For Window Wells

Although they may have specific requirements to meet building codes, window wells still have a lot of flexibility for customization to fit what you need for your home. Your contractor will be able to walk through the options and build what you need. Here are some considerations for window wells:

1. Dimensions and Size
2. Material
3. Shape
4. Ladders or Steps
5. Drainage
6. Covers
7. Maintenance

1. Dimensions and Size

The dimensions and size of a window well will depend on your home, the type of basement window, and more. Window wells should be properly sized for the basement window and should extend to at least 8 inches below the window sill.

If an egress window well needs to meet building code requirements for a basement bedroom, there will be minimums that it will need to meet, but you will have some flexibility beyond that as well. For basement bedrooms, the requirements for egress window wells are typically that they need to be at least 9 square feet with at least 36 inches of clearance.

This is one of the things to consider before finishing your basement to make sure all building codes are met. A good contractor will be well-versed in local building codes and will ensure your project meets requirements.

2. Material

Window wells can be made with concrete, metal, plastic, or a combination. Composite window wells tend to be the most popular. They are durable, while also being cost-effective. Composite window wells are also more customizable.

They can be designed to look and feel like real stone to provide light, improve safety, and boost curb appeal. Your contractor will work with you to determine what material works best for your home, the excavation, and the installation.

3. Shape

Although not necessarily the most important aspect of a window well, the shape is still a consideration. Whether you opt for rounded (U-shaped) or rectangular window wells, you want them to match your home’s exterior and look good.

4. Ladders or Steps

Deeper window wells will require a ladder or steps for safety and egress. There will also be building codes related to ladders or steps and depth for egress window wells. Typically, a ladder or steps are required for window wells that extend deeper than 44 inches. Depending on the depth of the window well, a ladder or steps may still be recommended, even if it is not strictly required by building codes.

5. Drainage

Drainage and waterproofing are big considerations for any part of your home, and especially for any exterior features. For window wells, proper drainage and waterproofing are essential to prevent basement flooding and water damage to basement windows, siding, and foundation.

Gravel and exterior drains at the bottom of window wells assist with drainage. If necessary for the specific location and installation, an interior drain, which is a drainpipe connected to a sump pump, may be recommended. Your contractor will take your home, lot, and specific situation into account to ensure your window well drainage system is properly designed and installed.

6. Covers

Window well covers are another consideration for window wells. Not only do these improve safety, but they also assist with keeping water, dirt, debris, and pests out of the window well and away from the home. Covers can range from grids and grates to solid covers. Solid covers are the best option for insulating the window well and keeping everything out of it. They can also be made to be transparent or opaque to still allow light in and a clear view out.

7. Maintenance

Another consideration for window wells is maintenance. Although the window wells themselves do not often require much in terms of maintenance, you will want to account for some maintenance throughout the year.

At a minimum, it’s a good idea to check the drainage of your window well twice a year. A good guideline is to check it in the spring and then again in the fall. You also want to keep up with your landscaping and make sure you are clearing debris from around the well as you are doing outdoor work. This includes snow removal during the winter.

If you have a window well, this should be on your spring home maintenance checklist and something you monitor regularly. Keeping your window well clear keeps it functioning well and protecting your home, and ensures you still have a clear way out in case of emergency. You don’t want to wait until you have an emergency to find out that debris in your yard makes it difficult to use your window well.

Install a Window Well With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few benefits of windows wells and some things to consider for them as you evaluate what makes sense for your home. If you need to finish or remodel your basement, with or without window wells, Zephyr Thomas can help. Give us a call at 717-399-4708 to schedule your free estimate!

Check out the time-lapse video below to watch the Zephyr Thomas team replacing an old basement window with an egress window well featuring an easy-to-use in-swing casement window, ladder rungs, and a grate cover for this homeowner!