How To Install Basement Egress Window Well

basement window is framed and well is installed

Before you hire someone to install an egress window in your basement, you lot probably desire to know more about the installation process. This is reasonable, because you're trusting a contractor to change your home. If you're going to invest in a major safety feature that adds to your resale value, you should know how it'due south accomplished.

At Acculevel, nosotros believe the platonic customer is a well-informed one. Nosotros want to provide all the information yous demand to brand the best decisions for you and your home. Nosotros apply this web log and our YouTube channel to explore foundation problems and solutions, demonstrate waterproofing and repair methods, and accost frequently asked questions. Since our beginning in 1996, we've helped more than than 30,000 homeowners in our service expanse preserve and protect their greatest investment.

In this blog, we're going to detail the steps needed to install an egress window in a basement. This is not meant to serve as a DIY instruction transmission ; information technology only details what you should await when a professional contractor arrives to practice the installation. We practise not recommend that a homeowner attempt this type of projection. Creating a hole in your basement wall, if done poorly or in the incorrect location, could destabilize your foundation.

Excavation Prepares the Job Site

Earlier the installation tin can be washed, the crew needs to excavate an area effectually the window location. This excavation is a fairly big hole- normally 6-vii anxiety across. The depth of the earthworks will depend on your foundation, and how far hole-and-corner the window needs to be placed. Once the excavation is complete, nosotros can start installing the window.

5 Steps to Install an Egress Window in Your Basement

one. Create the Window Opening

If you lot already have a small window in the basement, this volition be taken out. The opening needs to be expanded to adapt the larger egress window. If you don't have a window in your basement, or you don't have one in the necessary location, we'll need to create an opening.

This is easier to do in a concrete cake wall, because the mortar around the blocks provides a cutting guide and an easier "breaking" indicate. But with the correct training and equipment, you can create and frame a window in a poured concrete foundation as well.

rough opening in concrete for window All of these photos were taken by Acculevel coiffure members during installation. This shows the opening they created for the window.

2. Place a Layer of Gravel

The crew spreads a thick layer of gravel on the ground. It should be evenly distributed from the foundation outward, covering the area where the window well is installed. This is a necessary step; the gravel helps drain whatsoever water that gets into the window well. Without it, water could settle into the ground exterior your foundation and cause cracks to course.

iii. Fit the Window Well

Once the gravel is set up, the window well can be put into place. The well is the portion that has steps built into it, so people can easily escape in case of an emergency.

When the coiffure has properly located the well, it will be secured to the foundation wall on either side of the window opening.

basement window is framed and well is installed You can see the wooden framework for the window is done and the well is installed.

4. Install the Basement Window

Now that the well is in place, it's time to install the egress window in the basement. This is done in much the same manner other windows are installed. The difference is that this window will not slide or open up outwards. Egress windows swing inwards, like a door. This makes it easier for someone to exit through the opening.

The egress window is installed.

5. The Finishing Touches

Y'all should ever have a "door" or cover on the window well. Yous don't desire kids or pets to fall into it while playing outside! In that location are well covers that are an open up filigree, but the best option is a clear, solid door. This will non merely protect confronting falls, but volition also proceed out the majority of rainfall, leaves, and miscellaneous debris.

The window well cover does not lock, nor does it come with whatever method for locking. This is deliberate, because locking an emergency exit is counterproductive (and violates fire lawmaking). To continue it from sliding off or getting blown off by wind gusts, the cover is set up into place with an industrial grade velcro. It's still piece of cake enough for a child to move, but firm enough to serve its purpose.

fully installed egress window with well The completed installation, with cover attached and backfill completed.

The installation crew will then backfill any gaps between the well and the ground. Unless you've requested otherwise, the crew should remove the excess clay from the holding for yous. If you have plans to use this dirt elsewhere on your property (maintaining the lawn grading, peradventure?), make sure you explain this to the coiffure doing the work.

Additional Resource

Were you alarmed past my concluding comment nigh the grading of your lawn? Homes need cheque-ups just like people do! Nosotros have a step-by-stride DIY inspection checklist that is costless for you to use. Information technology helps y'all appraise your domicile and property for potential problems in your habitation's foundation.

If you're planning to finish your basement, nosotros recommend that yous start with encapsulation . This traps whatever h2o that gets into your basement, and directs into the h2o drainage track- protecting your insulation, drywall, and other finishes from damp.

Are you lot hesitant to hire a contractor to work on your home? Nosotros've all heard stories about homeowners being scammed by people posing every bit legitimate contractors, and we want to help you avert becoming ane of them. Our free guide to questions y'all should ask a contractor explains what to enquire, why these questions matter, and what answers tin exist a red flag.

Are You Ready to Accept an Egress Window Installed?

Do you alive in Indiana, or in the surrounding areas ? If and so, phone call Acculevel! We are a family-owned and operated company, specializing in foundation repair, waterproofing, and concrete leveling. When you contact us , we'll schedule an appointment for an in-home estimate. An experienced and knowledgeable project manager will meet with you, discuss your concerns, and evaluate your home to provide the best possible solution for you. Before your appointment, learn more almost egress windows with our Homeowner's Guide!

Link to our homeowner's guide

If you don't live in Acculevel'southward service area, you'll demand to find a quality contractor in your area . Nosotros recommend that you e'er verify the company is insured and accredited past the Better Concern Bureau . A good contractor will bear professionally, care for yous with respect, and provide a free written guess that clearly and specifically details the costs.

Source: https://acculevel.com/how-to-install-egress-window/

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