Basement Window Wells: Adding Light Below The Grade With Basement Window Wells

Adding Light Below The Grade With Basement Window Wells

By The Home Renovator

Many metal basement window wells get rusty and dirty and allow very little light to enter the window. In this article, we explain how to fix this issue and add light below the grade using basement window wells ...

Just because a window is in the basement does not mean a person cannot look out through it, or that light should not come in the window. Unfortunately, many metal basement window wells get rusty and dirty and allow very little light to enter the window and when a person looks out of the basement window, all they usually see is basement window wells.

The purpose of basement window wells is to provide light into the basement when the window is located below the grade outside the house. It is also designed to allow a view from inside, but most basement window wells are too small to be effective at either function. Today, there are several new designs of window wells that protect windows below the grade as well as provide light and a view.

Not all of them are made of corrugated metal some basement window wells have a screen on the top to protect against leaves and other debris from filling the well and adding dirt to the outside of the window. Light colored wells can also appear brighter and will advance the appearance of the home, by removing the traditional rusty appearance surrounding the basement windows.

Lighting Help For Remodeled Basements

When a person undertakes a remodeling project to turn their utility basement into usable space, they often forget about the basement windows, with the usual thought being that it is only a basement window and not much is expected out of its performance. With new basement window wells, light can be funneled from inside with a light color interior of the well and protective covering to keep out debris, it can greatly enhance the appearance of the newly remodeled basement.

Adding wood shades to the interior of a basement room can make it appear as though the room was not an afterthought and perhaps was designed with using the room in mind from the start. New basement window wells can dress up a home on the exterior as well, but the right well for the right window should be chosen. With several depths available, regardless of how far below grade the windows are located, there are basement window wells to fill the gap to ground level with an avenue for light to travel into the basement.

Since most basement remodeling is done to enhance and add room to the home’s interior, improving the appearance and function of the basement window wells should be included in the plans for the improvement job.

Next article: Dealing With Contractors

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