basement windows -=bad deal=-

[Unregistered]

i have two windows that are level with the ground.. this causes problems when it rains. I'm thinking of putting in a retaining wall (1/2 moon steel king) around the windows..

1. dig them out
2. back fill
3. layer of stone
4. layer of pea stone
5. layer of dirt
6. anything else.. tips.. anything i missed?

[Wgoodrich]

If the window well fills with water and stays then leaks into the house then you need a drain in the bottom of the window well to the perimeter drain of the outside of the basement. If no perimeter drain to lower subsurface water then try first a plastic removable window well cover to shed water away from the window well. This may be an easy fix for you low cost. If that doesn't work then you need a drain for the window well.

Remember if you have bedrooms in that basement those windows are emergency escape windows required by the building Code in case of fire for escape.

Hope this helps

Wg

[xkvator]

i've seen window wells that didn't have a drain in the bottom...looked like an aquarium from inside the house for a few days after it rained.