Basement Window Wells

Basement windows are not just for decoration.  They perform a special function and that’smostly for ventilation, lighting and as escape routes.  Yes, you read it right - they serve as escaperoutes specified in your local building code requirements. 

There are many types of windows to suit your basementrequirements.  There are hopper, slidingand even awning window types so you’ll be sure to find something that’s perfectfor your layout, budget and design specifications.  One thing for certain though is that one ofthese windows should be designated as the window well. 

A window well, or an egress window, is basically alarge-sized basement window that opens outward to allow people to come in (likefiremen and paramedics) and allow people to go out in cases of emergencies andaccidents.  This is especially handy ifthe basement has been converted into living space like an extra room, a homeoffice, a home theater or a kids’ playroom. When the window is opened, there is a small space, roughly 9 square feetin area, through which you can climb up to open ground and safety. 

Now, some people think that despite the building code safetyrequirement, they don’t believe they need one. What they don’t realize is that these safety precautions are in placeprecisely to protect them should they themselves become injured or becomeunconscious.  The window well is supposedto be in place for the rescuers to have somewhere safe to crawl into should thehouse be on fire and they should be large enough to let the firemen and theirequipment to fit or for two or more people to be able to crawl out ofespecially if one is injured and needs to be carried out. 

Putting up basement window wells need not be expensive.  There are many window well kits available forthose who want to do it by themselves.  Ifnot, you may contact window well manufacturers or suppliers and they can havethe windows fabricated (or immediately delivered if they’re in stock) andinstalled in no time. 

It will help if in renovating your basement, you alreadyinclude the basement window wells in the plan. That way, it will only take one renovation to comply with the safetybuilding code requirements.  Also,speaking of safety, since these window wells are supposed to be open and freefrom encumbrances once opened, they are also prone to accidentsthemselves.  For instance, children andtoddlers may fall into the open space by mistake.  You can prevent this type of accident fromhappening by installing a window well cover.

Window well covers are typically made of plastic or steel,depending on their durability when exposed to harsh elements.  They may also be of different shapes anddesigns depending on your aesthetic preferences.  The important thing is that they lock fromthe inside to beef up on security to prevent strangers from getting into yourhome.  On the same note, it’s alsoimportant that it’s easy to get out even when the window well cover islocked.