[mandarae]

I am trying to construct an egress window well out of Cinder Blocks.
I intend to pour footings for the sides that are just straight up but on the 3rd side I want to construct 3 steps out of the well, can anyone give me some information on how to pour footings for the stairs or how to construct the stairs out of the cinder block?
Any help what so ever would be appreciated.
Amanda

 

[Termite]

With a traditional concrete footing you'd just have to dig it back enough to ensure that there's footing under each outward course of block. It'll require a lot more block than you'll see just because in order to support the corbeled courses there will have to be additional "walls" built from block underground.

Another option...Although not quite as stout as concrete footings...Would be supporting the wall on a compacted base of AB3 (pea gravel with fly ash and other fines mixed in). When it is compacted and it gets wet it hardens up almost like concrete. You'd place a footing of AB3, compacting the heck out of it in 6" lifts. Place the innermost wall and then backfill with AB3, once again compacting in lifts. Then lay the corbeled course to form the step, backfill with more AB3, and so on. AB3 is what they often use to support large retaining walls.

 

[mandarae]

I was afraid of that. My husband was hoping we wouldn't have to dig out the dirt where the steps would be and build "walls" that would be below ground but if that is the best way? I think the Ab3 may end up taking more time.

 

[Ron6519]

They do sell egress kits with the window well and steps built into them. Much easier to work with then the block route. You just dig the hole to conform to the shape and backfill. You can use small crushed stone to fill in the gaps under the setup.
Ron

 

[mandarae]

In response to the fabricated window well - great idea and I actually looked into them but there aren't any dealers in our area and we are pretty sure that for the cost of the prefab and shipping we could build on for 1/2 the cost.

 

[Termite]

Maybe forget the steps idea? You can always install a commercially made egress ladder if the well is deeper than 44" and the window is for the purpose of egress.

 

[mandarae]

I will try and post a picture later today - I think the photograph will better explain the situation and need for the stairs.