The bottom of the well should contain loose gravel, which also helps with drainage. This should not be allowed to become too compacted or it will also cause water to collect in the well. You can either replace gravel periodically or remove it and clean it before putting it back in place.
How much gravel should you put 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.
Should you put rocks in your window well?
There isn’t really a minimum level of rocks in your window well, but the levels should be appropriate given the depth of it (and going deep is always better). However, the window well should definitely not be overfilled. This increases the risk of flooding and windows breakage.
How do you backfill around a window well?
Backfilling the Well:
Consider using a knee brace. Use free-draining gravel or 3/8″ pea-stone. Fill the bottom of the window well and stay at least 4 inches below the bottom of the window. Backfill the outside of the well slowly and evenly to prevent damage to the well.
How much pea gravel should a window well have?
Use pea gravel or ¾ inch or smaller free-draining rock, around the well stopping approximately 1 foot down from the top of the window well. Backfilling by hand, start at the farthest area from the foundation, evenly distributing the stone as you fill.
How do I keep water out of my window well?
Here’s what you can do to keep as much water away from your house as possible:
Fix grading to make sure it slopes away from the foundation.Keep your gutters clear of debris and in good working condition. Extend downspouts away from the house to keep roof runoff from pouring next to the foundation.
What should be in a window well?
Window well covers should be constructed from sturdy, high-quality material, such as plastic or metal. A window well cover that is made from metal (typically, aluminum or steel) is referred to as a grate and is implemented to protect against intrusion.
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.
How deep do window wells need to be?
How Deep Does a Window Well Need to Be? A window well should be roughly 8 inches deeper than the window sill and approximately 6 inches wider than the window opening.
Can you put mulch in window wells?
Surrounding Your Window Wells
Many people choose to surround their wells with grass, but because a properly covered well will keep debris away from your basement window, mulch, gravel, and rocks are all viable choices.
Are window well covers necessary?
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.
What is pea gravel?
Pea gravel, also known as pea shingle, consists of small stones with rounded edges that have become smooth as a result of natural weathering.
