Window Wells: What to Consider When Constructing Them

 

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One of the things that distinguish humans from other creatures is their ability to make decent housing for themselves. The only concern, however, has become getting sufficient space in the homes we build. To try and curb this shortage of space, man has been involved in all renovation and house designs. One of the most creative renovations ideas is the turning of your house basement into a habitable space. It is cheaper to turn your basement into a livable space than it is to construct a new extra room.

Basements being under the normal ground level are dark, cold and sometimes not the ideal places to live. Man, however, has been forced to make basements into living rooms owing to the growing need for living space. Construction of window wells is one way man has made this happen. Just like its name suggests, a window well is a construction of a well like structure outside the windows of basement rooms. The few things you need to know before constructing a window well for your basement forms the basis of our discussion in this writeup.

According to the building codes, window well must be constructed due to rise of risks and dangers such as burglary, fires and natural disasters like earthquakes. Having window wells for your basement, therefore, is a compulsory thing. Safety, therefore, becomes the first thing you need to consider in the construction of window wells. Ensure your window well allows for easy exit. There may be stairs erected or construct the well at an angle. Safety of the users is what should guide you when making the window wells.

Another thing is that you have to ensure your egress window covers is both beautiful and allows in enough light. For this reason, many window wells will be made from shiny materials or painted in bright colors. On the window wells, you may also add decorations. How much light gets into your basement can also be affected by the distance of the window well from the windows. Little light will be allowed to the window if your window well is very close to the window and vice versa.

Drainage is the last but very important aspect of your window well you need to consider. Bearing in mind a window well is constructed below the ground level, a poorly constructed window well may turn into a really well by holding water. How water runs from the window well is one plan you ought to, therefore, have before even embarking on the construction of the window well. Water drainage from the well may be done by use of shallow trenches or have the base of the window well well-constructed to allow for rapid water drainage. Learn more about window wells at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Window_well_cover.

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