Basement Window Wells offer Natural Light, Safety and Aesthetics
By Mark J. Donovan
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Basement window wells can dress up the outside of your home’s foundation as well as provide an additional level of safety to your home.
When a basement window would otherwise sit below grade it is necessary to install a basement window well on the outside of the home to allow natural light to penetrate into the basement window and to provide an additional egress path out of the basement. There are many types of cellar window wells on the market today that offer both aesthetic and safety features. They are available in a myriad of different shapes and sizes. |
Some basement window wells are designed specifically as egress window wells with such features as steps or ladders, and built-in handrails to allow homeowner occupants to easily escape from the basement due to fire and other emergency conditions.
| Other basement or cellar window wells are designed mainly for aesthetic and landscape purposes. Some types of basement window wells are designed to maximize light entry into the basement, while at the same time providing aesthetic beauty to the outside of the home.
Key Basement Window Well Features Basement window wells are made from a number of different materials, such as polyethylene. Many have a corrugated surface, however others are offered with stone textured finishes. Most cellar window wells are a single unit construction and are designed for easy installation. |
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Basement window well covers are also available to eliminate insect and rodent ingress into the basement. In addition, they can help to prevent the collection of leaves and weed growth in the basement window well.
| Some basement window wells are designed with reflective material to maximize the amount of natural light into the basement area.
So when developing plans for your new home that includes a basement, make sure you consider ingress and egress to the basement and think about including basement window wells in the home design. They provide natural light into your basement, can complement the outside of your home, and provide another level of safety to your family in the event of an emergency. |
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- Basement Remodeling Considerations and Ideas
- What to Look for in Basement Bulkhead Doors
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