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Basement Window Configuration Options
I recently had some contractors out to replace a deck and one noted that my basement window may need some attention. I started digging around and in front of it to discover that either from over time or from previous owners (110yo house) dirt, rocks, etc have essentially buried the bottom wooden portion of the window sill and it has begun to rot away. I do have moisture issues in the basement and I'm sure this is not helping that situation. From doing some research, it appears the general solution is a window well if any portion of a window is below grade. Given this window is basically right at grade (and dirt/gravel have piled onto the sill itself) I suspect a well is going to be recommended. Searching results in a few recommendations - I've seen some that the well should extend 8" below, some like 24" below (with a drain, gravel, etc). I suspect some of this may be related to building codes as an egress window - I have an actual door next to it and believe this is not required. I have also seen recommendations of using glass blocks in place of having a window - I'm not convinced this one was installed/repaired properly over the years so I'm open to suggestions. Questions Is a window well required? If not, is it recommended? If using a window well, and not an egress window, what depth should it be dug to? If not using a window well, should I simply dig down a few inches, put down a water permeable mat + gravel + rock up to the window sill? Is replacing this window with glass block recommended? Pictures Looking down from deck/patio Looking towards window Closeup of rotten sill View from inside At a minimum I know I'm replacing the sill + backfilling up to that sill. I'm not a big fan of the use of duct tape or expanding foam so if a full window replacement is best I'm open to it. submitted by /u/TheMuffnMan [link] [comments]
I recently had some contractors out to replace a deck and one noted that my basement window may need some attention.
I started digging around and in front of it to discover that either from over time or from previous owners (110yo house) dirt, rocks, etc have essentially buried the bottom wooden portion of the window sill and it has begun to rot away. I do have moisture issues in the basement and I'm sure this is not helping that situation.
From doing some research, it appears the general solution is a window well if any portion of a window is below grade. Given this window is basically right at grade (and dirt/gravel have piled onto the sill itself) I suspect a well is going to be recommended.
Searching results in a few recommendations - I've seen some that the well should extend 8" below, some like 24" below (with a drain, gravel, etc).
I suspect some of this may be related to building codes as an egress window - I have an actual door next to it and believe this is not required.
I have also seen recommendations of using glass blocks in place of having a window - I'm not convinced this one was installed/repaired properly over the years so I'm open to suggestions.
Questions
- Is a window well required? If not, is it recommended?
- If using a window well, and not an egress window, what depth should it be dug to?
- If not using a window well, should I simply dig down a few inches, put down a water permeable mat + gravel + rock up to the window sill?
- Is replacing this window with glass block recommended?
Pictures
At a minimum I know I'm replacing the sill + backfilling up to that sill. I'm not a big fan of the use of duct tape or expanding foam so if a full window replacement is best I'm open to it.
[link] [comments]
