Window Wells
During a home inspection, an Oregon Certified Home Inspector will examine the exterior of the home to ensure the integrated systems are working as designed or intended. One of the critical components for homes with basements are the window wells: they provide egress in an emergency, prevent water and moisture from damaging windows at or below grade, and can allow sunlight to enter the basement area.
During a home inspection, an Oregon Certified Home Inspector will examine the exterior of the home to ensure the integrated systems are working as designed or intended. One of the critical components for homes with basements are the window wells: they provide egress in an emergency, prevent water and moisture from damaging windows at or below grade, and can allow sunlight to enter the basement area.
Window Well Specifics:
*A window well should always have a properly fitted cover, secured only from the inside. This will allow for the homeowner to exit through the window well in case of an emergency, but also help to keep out unwanted individuals, debris, inclement weather, and critters.
*The area of a window well should measure at least 9 square feet, with a minimum projection of 36 inches. While many older homes may not meet these guidelines, improvements to the basement or exterior should include bringing outdated window wells up to current safety standards.
*Drainage is a significant factor regarding properly installed window wells. Systems on the exterior of the home must work together in order for each to be effective. Water should not only be directed away from the home, but care must also be taken to ensure that water is first directed away from the window well. Water which enters the window well may not be able to be properly diverted, and over time water may end up leaking through the window itself.
*Deep window wells (those with a vertical depth of 44 inches or more) must be equipped with a permanently installed ladder or steps. This component must also be usable with the window in the fully open position.
*Be sure to ask an Oregon Certified Home Inspector if you have questions regarding the window wells on your home or a home you intend to purchase. Proper installation and function can help keep your basement dry, and in case of an emergency, help save lives.
*A window well should always have a properly fitted cover, secured only from the inside. This will allow for the homeowner to exit through the window well in case of an emergency, but also help to keep out unwanted individuals, debris, inclement weather, and critters.
*The area of a window well should measure at least 9 square feet, with a minimum projection of 36 inches. While many older homes may not meet these guidelines, improvements to the basement or exterior should include bringing outdated window wells up to current safety standards.
*Drainage is a significant factor regarding properly installed window wells. Systems on the exterior of the home must work together in order for each to be effective. Water should not only be directed away from the home, but care must also be taken to ensure that water is first directed away from the window well. Water which enters the window well may not be able to be properly diverted, and over time water may end up leaking through the window itself.
*Deep window wells (those with a vertical depth of 44 inches or more) must be equipped with a permanently installed ladder or steps. This component must also be usable with the window in the fully open position.
*Be sure to ask an Oregon Certified Home Inspector if you have questions regarding the window wells on your home or a home you intend to purchase. Proper installation and function can help keep your basement dry, and in case of an emergency, help save lives.