How to Use Window Wells

If you have half-circle cavities or square holes outside your home around your basement windows, you have window wells. These wells come in materials such as plastic, vinyl, metal and wood and can be several feet deep. If your window wells appear dark and unpleasant to look at, you can always replace them with new ones in light colors, which allow more light into your basement. Once you use your window wells to enhance your basement, you may find yourself and your family spending more time there.

Sand
Pea gravel (optional)
Ladder
Window well covers

Instructions

- 1
  Use your window wells as effective sources of natural lighting in your basement. Most basements lack proper lighting, and have dark, dusty, dingy areas that keep you from visiting your basement unless you have to. You can enlarge your window wells to increase the amount of sunlight and make your basement more comfortable. Use artificial lighting as a last resort in your basement. Lighting from your window wells will create open spaces just as you have in the rest of your home, so the basement will be more livable and inviting.
- 2
  Prevent your basement windows wells from becoming damaged by moisture. Keep the window well bottom filled with sand or pea gravel. Make sure you remove leaves and other debris from your window wells to keep water from building up around the window frame.
- 3
  Use your window wells as emergency escape exits or to let emergency crews into your home. Keep a ladder in your basement near a window well. If your basement is a finished living area with a window well rather than an unfinished basement with the plumbing exposed, you must have at least two window wells available for emergency exits. Check the regulations in your area for the required window well size.
- 4
  Cover your window wells to keep anyone, especially small children, from falling into them and also to prevent your pets and other animals from becoming trapped in the wells. Window well covers also prevent snow, leaves, grass and twigs from building up in the well, which will keep out sunlight. Keep your window well covers cleared of snow and ice as well, and make sure ice has not frozen your covers shut.
- 5
  Lock your window well covers from the inside of your basement to keep out intruders; however, understand that firefighters will not be able to use the window wells to enter your home in emergencies. Keep the surface of your window well covers clear of all objects, including all tools and potted plants. It may be tempting to make use of the flat covers, but items such as these can reduce your ability to exit through your window wells if necessary.

Fire & Escape Plans for Homes

How to Tie Fire Knots

Escape Routes