[BandE]

We will be regrading our yard hopefully this summer but I believe that by doing so, there will no longer be enough clearing under our basement windows.

Any tips in installing window wells. What should we be looking to do to ensure drainage.

We are new at DIY projects, is this something that we should contract out or do we just need some elbow grease.

 

[oh'mike]

Window wells are not to difficult to change---Just dig out the old ones--cold chisel to cut off old screws

Place new ones---drill and Tapcon--Caulk---replace dirt----No big deal---Unless I have to dig.:laughing:

 

[Gary in WA]

"We will be regrading our yard hopefully this summer but I believe that by doing so, there will no longer be enough clearing under our basement windows.' --- I have trouble understanding this.... You may need to dig a sloped drain pipe away from the well bottom if the soil merits such. Or drain it to a sump pit and pump it out elsewhere. If limited drainage, a large area sloped slightly away from the house and filled with gravel, then soil above, past the well. If well is for an egress window from the basement or bedroom, check with your local B.D. if installing a weather covering/lid. http://illowaicc.org/uploadedFiles/Illowa/Codes/Emergency%20Escape%20Rescue%20Openings.pdf

Gary

 

[BandE]

oh'mike- we would not be replacing window wells, we would be putting in new ones, so yes, a lot of digging would be involved.

GBR - currently we have 6 inches between the bottom of the window and the ground. The slope is going towards the house and in order to have it go away from the house, we will need to fill it in, that is why I am saying there won't be enough clearing under the window after regrading. If I understand correctly, you are saying that I will most likely need to do extra drainage under each window well. It would not be as simple as doing a couple of feet (?) of gravel "under" the well.

 

[oh'mike]

Your new window wells will need a drain in the bottom or water will be entering the house through the windows.

Add piping for drains before you back fill and run the drains to daylight--or dig down to the footing drains and add a T and a well drain pipe.

Sorry,I did not understand your post. ---Mike---

 

[Gary in WA]

All depends on the drainage in the well. If 2' of gravel lets the water drain through the soil, fine. If not, other arrangements...
Also pointing out you need egress out the windows. If less than 44" from the basement floor to the opening of the window, good. If higher, hopefully you have other escape means from the basement for fire safety.

Picture would help....

Gary