Do window wells need covers?
Why Get a Window Well Cover? Anyone with below-ground egress windows with window wells should protect them with window well covers. The potential danger to children and animals falling into a window well is serious, and the concerns of wild animals taking shelter in a window well aren’t unfounded.
How do you protect a window well?
If you have window wells, consider covering them with grates or plastic covers. Covers not only prevent burglaries but also keep animals and kids from falling into the wells.
Do window well covers need ventilation?
How much of the window should a window well cover?
Does a window well need a drain?
Window Well Drain – Every window well should have a drain to allow water to exit the window well and not build to a level that creates a basement seepage problem. Drains can be connected to interior or exterior drain tile or can be run to daylight where a proper slope exists.
Why do window wells rust?
Why are my window wells rusting? Window wells rust because of electrolysis (decomposition produced by an electric current.) This means that a window well is rusting because it is touching other metal in your home -usually rebar in the foundation (via either the window buck or the well’s attachment bolts.)
How can I make my window well look better?
- 1 Hang Plants. Hanging plants from your existing egress window well can go a long way towards increasing your view. …
- 2 Decorate. Many people simply overlook their egress window as a place where they can decorate. …
- 3 Plant Flowers.
- 1 Hang Plants. Hanging plants from your existing egress window well can go a long way towards increasing your view. …
- 2 Decorate. Many people simply overlook their egress window as a place where they can decorate. …
- 3 Plant Flowers.
Do window wells need drains?
Window Well Drain – Every window well should have a drain to allow water to exit the window well and not build to a level that creates a basement seepage problem. Drains can be connected to interior or exterior drain tile or can be run to daylight where a proper slope exists.
Should window well drains be filled with gravel?
A common method to help with window well drainage is to place several inches of gravel at the bottom. This will allow the water to dissipate into the ground slowly to the weeping tile system, rather than sit in the soil next to the window.
How do you fix a weeping tile?
The only truly effective method of repair for damaged, older weeping tiles is removal & replacement. This does require digging the soil on the exterior of the home down to the footing.
How long do window wells last?
According to the American Galvanizers Association, you can expect galvanized steel your window well is made of to last for an average of 75 years, depending on the soil conditions in your area.
Will painting over rust stop it?
Yes, paint can stop rust. Cars, knives, beams, and many tools are all coated with paint to inhibit rust.
What do you fill a window well with?
A common method to help with window well drainage is to place several inches of gravel at the bottom. This will allow the water to dissipate into the ground slowly to the weeping tile system, rather than sit in the soil next to the window.
How do you paint a rusted window well?
Remove Rust or Corrosion from the Window Well
Once done, cover the area with galvanized metal etching primer, which promotes adhesion and leaks in the future. Let it dry, then apply a layer of acrylic latex paint. This helps provide additional protection and give everything a uniform color.
Can you snake a window well drain?
If the water in your window well drains slowly, or not at all, it is likely that the blockage is inside the drain somewhere. At this point, you can pump out the water by yourself and investigate, use a pipe snake to attempt to shift whatever is causing the blockage, or call a professional to assess the situation.
How many inches of stone is in a window well?
Manufacturers of the metal window well suggest digging deeper into the well and placing 12 inches of gravel at the bottom. This will allow the water to dissipate into the ground slowly. This simple project along with a cover for your metal window well will stop the water from seeping into your foundation.
How long do weeping tiles last?
What is the life expectancy? Perimeter drains or weeping tiles can last for decades. If properly installed, you can expect to have a problem free basement for a very long time. Older clay weeping tiles tended to deteriorate, and become clogged with soil and tree roots, but even these systems lasted for many years.
How deep should weeping tile be?
If you are trying to manage problems with surface water, then you have a little more play with the depth; in general, the recommendation is about eighteen inches to two feet.
Why is my window well flooding?
The most common reason for window wells flooding, however, is a clogged or missing drain. A window well should have a central drain that is either connected to an interior or exterior drain tile system or to a line that runs to a storm water drain or out to daylight.
Why do my window wells fill up with water?
Weeds, leaves, dirt, and other debris clog window wells, causing them to fill with water. The water then leaks through the window and into the basement.
How do you keep a screw from rusting?
The easiest way to prevent rust on screws is to shield them completely from moisture, be it through selective placement or protective coatings and sealants. Purchasing specially formulated, rust resistant or rustproof screws is usually helpful, as well.