About Basement Window Wells

Whether you are buying a new home, building a house, or remodeling a home, one thing you should not overlook is the basement window wells, which surprisingly enough is a common mistake. Window wells can be a huge security risk because it they are like an open door to thieves if they are not secured.

What is a basement window well? It is an egress to serve several functions... to allow natural light into your basement, as well as ventilation. Many local codes require an emergency escape route also, making your basement window well a lifeline to the outside if you need it.

There are many creative ways to make your window well not only functional, but attractive. You probably have the standard cinderblock or corrugated steel well egress outside of your basement window, right? There are many different manufacturers of custom window well liners, made from Plexiglas, decorative wrought-iron, and other materials. With scenic designs of your choosing, you have instant scenery and can look out at the beach, or a mountain scene instead of cinderblock. The well liners can have a concealed ladder, or be shaped into steps, for emergency escape.

Just because you are up to code doesn't mean your basement window well has to be unsecure, and open for any passing crook to gain access to your house. All you need to do is install a window well cover, made of high strength plastic, that can only be removed from underneath. For additional security on your basement windows, you can use a security bar and add sensors to your home security alarm system.

Basement window well covers also keep out the debris that usually collects in the hole, such as leaves and twigs, which turns into mulch after a long winter of rain and snow. Keeping that moisture out will also save damage to your window seals, and the potential for mold.

An additional benefit of a cover is, you will not have to worry about one of the kids running along and accidently falling into the hole and getting seriously injured, or small animals getting trapped, dying, and decomposing while you walk around going, "What is that smell!?!?" for weeks before you finally locate it.

With a pre-manufactured basement window well kit, installation is pretty straightforward, if you want to do it yourself, or you can call around and get bids from your local contractors to either design one from scratch, or install a kit of your choice for you. Either way, it is an improvement your home should have, and will increase your property value.