Window Well and Egress Windows Installation

It is often difficult for a homeowner to determine the cause of water coming into the home. You might not notice any foundation cracking or water building up in the basement, but there are many ways that water could be penetrating into your home. 


Depending on your situation, window well installation might help to keep the water out. Window wells are an excellent way to keep the water away from your foundation. A properly installed window well will collect water and then drain it away from your home. 


Without a window well, the water might constantly be resting against your foundation and seeping into your home. You may not notice this because the water could be pooling up against your home underground.

Expert Assessment for Window Well Placement

It is important to have an expert determine where the best spot for a window well would be. There are a variety of things to consider when choosing to install window wells. If the soil level is particularly high against your foundation, then a window well can really help protect your basement against the water. Window wells are also great for yards with uneven or inconsistent soil distribution.

Benefits of Window Wells

There are many instances where window wells can protect the inside of your home from water damage, especially if the home has plumbing upgrades not well-equipped enough to handle extra water that arises during particularly wet seasons. 


Window wells also protect your window frames from damage. When water stands against the side of your home and builds up on the window frames, they begin to rust and look unsightly. 


This constant standing water also begins to penetrate into the window and get inside your home. While it is important to seal your windows, a window well can add a lot of extra protection for you.

Egress Windows: Legal Compliance and Safety for Apartments

If you’re considering renting out your basement or adding legal living spaces to your property, egress windows are a critical requirement to make your apartment compliant with the law. An egress window provides a safe exit in case of an emergency and is mandatory for all basement apartments in many jurisdictions.

What Are Egress Windows?

Egress windows are specifically designed to meet minimum size and dimension requirements to allow occupants to escape or first responders to enter during emergencies. These windows must open easily without the need for special tools or force.

Legal Requirements

In most areas, building codes stipulate that:

  • The egress window opening must have a minimum height and width of 15 inches each.
  • The total clear opening must be at least 5.7 square feet for above-grade windows and 5 square feet for basement windows.
  • The bottom of the egress window cannot be higher than 44 inches from the floor.
  • A window well must be installed if the egress window is below ground, with a minimum area of 9 square feet and steps or ladders for easy escape.

Why Are Egress Windows Important?

  • Legal Compliance: If you’re renting out basement units, egress windows ensure your property meets rental unit regulations. Without them, your apartment may not qualify as a legal dwelling.


  • Safety: Egress windows provide a critical escape route during fires or other emergencies.


  • Natural Light: Larger egress windows improve basement lighting, making spaces feel more open and inviting.

Window Wells for Egress Windows

For egress windows below ground level, a well-designed window well is essential. It ensures that the space around the window stays clear of water and debris while providing the necessary clearance to meet safety requirements. The addition of a drainage system within the window well also helps prevent flooding in the basement.

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