Egress window well drainage and cover

5/13/2018 at 1:31:53 PM

down to the weeping tile put gravel at bottom of hole also so no mud blocks end....if no weeping tile on a really old house go at least a few feet so it goes into ground

5/13/2018 at 1:33:51 PM

window well cover any building supply store but if non standard cover have made up at a metal shop or code also for sides of well cover same or code lets you make wood ones out of treated lumber

5/13/2018 at 2:18:45 PM

Hi There,

If You have weeping tiles than Contractor should install drain close to it if You don't have weeping tiles than cover must be installed,cover must be non breakable material and that is lexan and You can buy it in Brampton ,go on google and find the company,they sale plexiglass and lexan material.You can buy piano hinges and attach to lexan and the wall,just make a slight slope and overhang window well by 2" all around.

5/14/2018 at 9:00:56 AM

The Code only talks about 'foundation drainage' which is "not required if it can be shown to be unnecessary". (I've witnessed some local examples where there are very sandy soils in parts of Fort Saskatchewan and Whitecourt).

You could try testing the window well using a garden hose. Likely your local building inspector wont be concerned however you could also ask.

I have shallow window wells in my own new home (which I built) with no drainage tile or other provisions and they perform just fine with no water accumulation (I do have weeping tile).

Good idea to put enough gravel/rock cover to discourage weeds - suggest minimum 3-4".

Ian Derksen Safety Codes Officer - Building