If you’re planning to build a window well, you might be wondering how to construct a retaining wall around it. In this article, you’ll learn about building a window well retaining wall and choosing a drainage system. Listed below are some of the steps needed for building a window well retaining wall. Using these steps will ensure a sturdy retaining wall surrounding your window well.
Building a retaining wall around a window well
When building a retaining wall around a window, the footing must extend below the frost line. A footing made of poured concrete is necessary to prevent frost heave. The footing should be at least twice as wide as the window well wall. When building the footing, the bricks should be stacked on either side of the upright rebar. After laying the bricks, the concrete must cure.
Water can become a major problem if not properly constructed. Water will seep through the concrete walls and leak into the foundations. If not properly constructed, water can crack or flood the window. Moreover, debris can clog the drainage system, causing water to seep into the house. This is a huge headache. Creating an efficient drainage system around the window well is the best solution.
To create a brick window well, you need to know the minimum dimensions of window wells in your area. Several municipalities have provided minimum dimensions for window wells, especially those for egress windows. The brick well must be at least four inches high and eight inches below the window. Moreover, it should be designed to accommodate a window that is open. You can also place a ladder at the base of the window well to comply with the requirements of the City Codes.
Once you have chosen the proper window well location, you can start laying the foundation. After the foundation is prepared, you can start installing the window well cover. If you are not confident with this project, you can hire a foundation contractor. A foundation contractor will oversee the job and will also bring in licensed subcontractors. However, it is important to remember that the window well is an installation that requires careful foundation work.
After choosing the location and design, you need to select the materials you want to use. Bricks and stone will have to be stained. If you don’t have a concrete base, you can opt for concrete or brick. Concrete cement is an excellent choice for a cement-based retaining wall. After this, you should lay the pattern and mark the level of the bottom level. Then, cut timbers to the desired length and treat the raw ends with copper-based wood preservative. Once the timbers are cut, set them in place.
A window well is not only a beautiful feature, but it can also protect your foundation from flooding and leaking. It also allows for easy egress for inhabitants of the basement. Furthermore, it keeps the soil away from the foundation windows. And because it is a legal requirement, you must have an egress window well if you plan to build a basement bedroom in your home. It also helps to keep moisture out of your basement and avoid the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Choosing a prefabricated window well
When installing a window well retaining wall, the first thing to do is to dig the hole slightly wider than the window well. Depending on the size of your window well, you might have to make some adjustments. Ensure that the hole is wide enough and that it is deep enough to fit the window well. You should also dig the hole slightly deeper than the well. If you’re using free-draining gravel instead of pea-stone, you can choose to use 3/4-inch-deep gravel.
Window wells are available in several styles, including ones that feature code-required steps and ladders. Some models come with clear plastic covers that prevent snow from filling the window well. Once you’ve chosen the window well design and type, you’ll need to decide on the window well size. Generally, the window well width should be 4-6 inches larger than the window opening. The height should be approximately 8 feet below grade. You’ll also need to determine the Projection, or the height from front to back, of the window well. If you’re installing the unit in a bedroom, you’ll also need to consider egress sizing.
Once you’ve selected the window well size, you’ll need to mark the prefabricated window well’s holes on the foundation. Make sure that each hole is at least 8 inches wide and six inches wider than the window. When digging the window well, use a shovel to dig a hole approximately six inches deeper than the window. You may want to use a sandbag to hold the timbers in place so they won’t shift.
Prefabricated window wells are made from concrete or fiberglass. A polyethylene or fiberglass window well is the best choice if long-term moisture resistance is important to your project. These window wells are easier to install and are lighter than concrete window wells. However, polyethylene and fiberglass window wells lack the strength and UV resistance of concrete or steel, and can be vulnerable to pressure from soil surrounding the window well.
If you need a window well to install in your basement, you may want to dig a hole beneath the ground. Excavating the land for a window well can cost between $50 and $200 per cubic yard. You’ll also need to cut extra space around the window well and install a cover. The installation process will cost between $500 and $1,000, depending on the size of the window opening. The window well cover will prevent soil from seeping into the window well and will also help keep creepy crawlies out.
If you’re not sure whether or not to choose a stone look window well, you can opt for the economy stone look egress wells. These are one-piece structures made of 18-gauge steel and painted in stone color on the inside and tan on the outside. They’re easy to install, and the stone look will hide dirt in the window well. They’re available in two different widths and a 36-inch projection from the foundation wall.
Choosing a drainage system for a window well
When installing a window well, the drainage system is one of the most important aspects. Without proper drainage, water may seep through the window well, causing a serious flood in the basement. Additionally, if the drainage system is not effective, debris may collect inside the window well, preventing it from draining properly. Here are some tips for choosing a drainage system for a window well.
To choose a drainage system for a window well, start by looking at the location of the drain in the ground. Make sure the drain is not buried. A poorly constructed window well could lead to flooding of the basement, which is costly and dangerous. If you can, avoid digging near buried pipes to prevent the damage. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this problem. First of all, consult your townhouse association’s plan to determine where the drain is.
Next, install a concrete anchor to hold the window well in place. If you can’t drill a hole in the foundation wall, use a hammer drill to install concrete anchors. Make a hole on the top of each wall and tap the anchor into place. Lastly, apply silicone sealant or a concrete expansion joint to protect the window well from leaks.
Another important feature of the window well drainage system is the gravel that surrounds it. This allows water to drain and keeps dirt and sand out. If the gravel is not properly poured in, the window well will become clogged and water will not drain through it. If the window well has a loose opening, soil may push in from the sides and plug the drainage system. To prevent this, you should carefully measure the window well before installation.
Window wells come in many different shapes and sizes, and durability and aesthetics are important factors to consider. A modular window well or metal window well can bow due to the soil pressure. In addition, contractors often backfill with rock, which invites water into the window well. Custom window wells made of landscaping blocks can be prone to leaks and require constant maintenance to prevent settlement. They can also become clogged with debris.
To install a window well, you must dig a hole slightly deeper than the window well. You should begin digging the hole next to the foundation of your house, 6 inches from the side of the window. Use a tarp or wheelbarrow to dig the window well hole. After digging the hole, you should carefully inspect the surrounding areas for any underground utilities. Once you have checked the utilities, install the window well.
