Recently my neighbour installed window wells around all of his basement windows, but they all sit with the bottom edge about 2 inches above the ground. Do window wells serve a purpose if your window is still above the ground?
Basement – the purpose of a window well for a window that is above grade
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I realize that you don't want to proceed with the project but I thought I'd answer anyway in case someone else is curious. I am a licensed contractor and my company specializes in basement remodeling; we have done several window expansions or additions in concrete foundations. A few things:
- You definitely need a permit for this project (though you don't need to hire a contractor) this is a structural modification and needs to be done correctly.
- You definitely need a structural engineer to write you a letter after a site inspection stating his recommendations for keeping the structural integrity (when you get a permit, they'll require this any way.
- If you are making a bedroom in the area you are adding a window to, you'll want to make sure that the new window you put in meets egress code for inspection/permit reasons.
Though you can support the new opening with pressure treated wood (according the engineers prescription, of course), most likely the engineer will recommend a steel frame in the newly cut opening. We use a 4"x4"x1/4" steel frame that the engineer signs off on. You can have one made to fit your opening at your local steel fabricator. (see pic below)
After you install the frame with bolts into the concrete and silicone sealant around the entire perimeter, the installation of the window is a piece of cake.
Your window well should already have a drain that ties into the drain tiles around your foundation. This is likely already tied into your sump. Often over time the drains get clogged up and filled with debris.
The solution is to dig out the window well and unclog the drain. You should have about a foot of crushed gravel that stops 6" below the window level so that water does not pool on the surface.
It's also possible the drain has collapsed or been clogged with roots. You would need to first find the drain (dig it out) and then do a video inspection of it to confirm or deny this.
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Best Answer
If you were in a really dry region, it might be overkill, but window wells and covers also help protect basement windows from physical damage (stuff the mower throws, ornery pets, etc).
That said, two inches isn't terribly much, and installing them would probably be prudent if you planned to raise the grade around the window with flower beds or something.
I'm pretty sure you're wondering if installing them on your home would also be a good idea. If you've never had a problem, then you probably won't. It's worth asking your neighbor about, if they were installed as a requirement for a home inspection, it'd be nice to know.