I am having some contractors build a window well for an egress window at my house. I have the option of doing solid concrete walls for the window well, or cement blocks (which he said he will fill with cement anyways). The concrete walls are significantly more expensive (about 1k more) so I am thinking of just going with concrete blocks, but are there significant reasons why I should choose the concrete walls instead and suck up the extra cost?
Also, do people typically put some type of drainage system in the bottom of the egress window well (sump pump or otherwise)? Is it necessary?
Best Answer
Properly built cement-block walls are incredibly strong. They're mortared for vertical stability and wire stretched between layers for horizontal stability. As long as it's thick enough to hold the weight of the ground, then that's a fine solution. Actually, I'd find the minimum required for support and then go one step thicker.
Water will collect in this depression. Make sure it has some kind of sufficient drainage or you could end up with water coming in through your window. 12" of gravel at the base may be enough depending on the type of soil underneath -- check your local building codes.