How To Put Plastic Coverings For Basement Windows Outside?

This video demonstrates the steps to install a clear polycarbonate window well cover on a composite well. The video includes a quick video on how to install rounded or rectangular window well covers, as well as clear instructions for installing into concrete or wood foundations. To install a window well cover, take a series of measurements to ensure the correct location and clearance of your basement window. Choose the right type of window well for your needs, measure the height, width, and projection of your basement window, and select a drill.

A drill is necessary for most installation types, especially if you need to secure the window well cover to the foundation. Ensure you have the right drill for wood, metal, or masonry. Mark drill points on both sides of the cover with painters tape.

The step-by-step installation guide for window well covers includes positioning the cover over the window well, marking drill points, digging a hole about six inches from the exterior of the window, installing a drain pipe if necessary, testing the window well, and predrilling the mounting. Measure the width of the window well at both the front and back, where it makes contact with the house, and look at the shape of your window well.

Do window wells need to be anchored?

Timbers must be securely fastened to the ground and anchored to the foundation wall to prevent shifting. Research on best practices for tying block wells to existing foundation walls is crucial to prevent leaks. Proper caulk is recommended at joints. Egress window and well requirements were introduced in the Universal Building Code about sixty years ago to protect the public in single-family homes.

Egress wells provide light, air circulation, and emergency escape. This window well buying guide reviews available types, installation and maintenance, and what to consider when purchasing window wells.

How to protect basement windows from water?

Basement windows are essential for adding light and fresh air to rooms, but they can also lead to leaks. Leaky windows can cause mold growth, damage to dry walls, and destroyed belongings. If your basement is unfinished, leaky windows can become a barrier to finishing it into a livable space. To combat leaks, caulk or re-caulk your basement windows. Install and maintain window wells, inspect downspouts and gutters, install new windows, and evaluate grading.

Basement windows often shift as the foundation of your house moves, causing cracks around them and rot over time. Caulking can help prevent caulking from pulling away from the window, ensuring a secure and livable space for your home.

Are plastic window wells good?

Menards® offers a variety of window well options for basements, including corrugated steel and heavy-duty plastic. Corrugated steel wells are galvanized and durable, while heavy-duty plastic wells are designed to never rust or dent, ensuring years of use. Standard window wells provide light and ventilation in dark and damp areas, while stylish egress window well systems add additional living space. Most basement windows are installed to prevent water leakage, typically with a drainage system or gravel in place.

Standard window wells come in various shapes and sizes and can be made from corrugated steel or plastic. All egress windows must comply with four International Residential Code (IRC) criteria, ensuring safety and efficiency in basement construction.

How do you attach plastic to a window?

The plastic should be adjusted by first removing it from the tape, then tautening it once more, and finally pressing around the window to ensure that it is sufficiently flexible to accommodate minor irregularities.

How do you secure a window well to concrete?

To secure a window well, use masonry anchors with a diameter of 3/8 inches and a length of 1 7/8 inches to screw the well into the pilot holes. Remove the nuts from the anchor sleeve and slide the anchor sleeves into the pilot holes. Place the well back into the hole and screw the nuts back onto the anchor sleeve with a socket wrench. If the well is still loose, try again. If the position isn’t secure enough, don’t commit to it. Fill the well with gravel, ensuring it is two to three inches deep and evenly packed. Avoid placing the gravel near the windowsill to prevent water leakage.

How do you waterproof a basement window well?

This guide provides a comprehensive guide on waterproofing window wells in basement living spaces. It begins with an inspection and cleaning of the area, followed by checking for proper drainage, sealing cracks and gaps, installing a window well cover, applying a waterproof membrane, and maintaining the area. The guide also emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance to ensure the integrity of egress windows.

If these measures don’t work, the guide provides advice on what to do if these measures don’t hold up. The first step is to inspect and clean the area, which will lay the foundation for a successful waterproofing job.

Do window wells need to be attached to foundation?

Window wells should be attached to the foundation of your home for safety reasons, as they can withstand harsh elements and may be used as a way to exit the basement. They also experience normal wear and tear, making them more vulnerable to potential issues. Other factors to consider when assessing window well safety include the location of the wells, their potential use as a way to exit the basement, and the potential for damage to the foundation.

How do you install plastic on the outside of a window?

In order to install temporary plastic window storms, it is first necessary to follow the instructions provided on the packaging. The film should then be sized, the window frame cleaned, adhesive applied, and the film and adhesive used together to affix the window storm in place. Finally, a hair dryer can be used to tighten the film.

How do I keep rain out of my basement window wells?

Window well covers are a practical solution to prevent water from entering and keeping the well dry. These covers are designed to fit over the window well and provide a barrier against water, debris, and pests. They are typically made from durable materials like polycarbonate, acrylic, or metal, and come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different window well dimensions. When properly installed, they create a protective shield that blocks rainwater, snowmelt, and other moisture from entering the well, maintaining a dry environment and preventing potential damage to the building’s window, foundation, and interior.

Window well covers also act as a barrier against debris accumulation, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and preventing blockages in the drain system. They also serve as a safety measure, preventing accidental falls into the well, especially for households with children or pets.

How do you install window wells in a basement?

The installation of a window well is a relatively straightforward process, which can be broken down into the following steps:

1. The initial step is to dig out the area in which the well is to be installed.

How to install plastic window well cover?

To install a below-ground window well, use new or sharpened bits and press the plastic against the scrap wood underneath. Fasten the clips to the cover and test-fit it on the window well to ensure no buckling or bends. There are two types of below-ground window wells: those that allow sunlight through small or medium-sized windows and those with large windows for emergency escape. Measure the width of the window well at both the front and back, where it touches the house, and measure from the side of the house to the outside edge of the window well in at least two places.