Window Well Option
Window wells are unique U-shaped structures that are installed or existing in older homes and apartments. They’re built with a window that is facing the basement below ground and are enclosed with an enclave that provides a latter for climbing assistance and enough light to brighten the ground floor or basement area. Window wells are secured in place using heavy duty building materials such as concrete or brick and are built upright for maximum support. Similar to a retaining wall, window wells are built in a curved shape to filter in sunlight and promote easier access for escape or departure.
Pros of Window Wells The pros of window wells are essentially in their design. If a window well is given the appropriate shape and with enough height and width to substantiate the excess soil around the area, then the window can allow in enough sunlight and air that makes the basement feel less stuffy or congested. Window wells also serve as great emergency escape or fire escape units, as they can easily lead to the outdoors without having to access the rest of the house to reach outside. Functionality Window wells have many functionalities but originally served to bring in light to windows that are below ground, often facing or entering into the basement. Modern-day window wells can be used to escape in case of emergency and provides light to lower parts of the home. If the home or apartment’s basement-facing window wells are built with drains that can also help excess water filter away from the window. The drains are placed on the opposite side of the window so there is no excessive water built up that could potentially enter through the window and can easily divert rainfall away from the basement window. Building Materials There are varying building materials that window wells can be built from and it usually depends on what your preference is. Some of the common choices are brick and concrete. These options are based on their durability and strength, as they’re able to hold up large amounts of soil and provide protection at an angle. Clients also choose these types of building materials because of their properties and resilience against water and heat, making them secure and reliable at all times. Before installing a window well with these building materials, the land around the area must often be leveled or degraded to make room for installing the window well securely into the ground. Long-lasting What makes our window wells different than others is their ability to outlast the competitors’. We pride ourselves on the long-lasting durability that our window wells provide regardless if they’re used frequently or hardly ever. Either way, window wells should be installed using security measures that take into account potential weather elements such as flooding, snow, and ice. Window wells should also be accounted for when placed under trees, to avoid potential damage from a tree branch falling or obstructing the use of the window well. |
Egress Window Well |