I have egress window wells that need to be replaced. They are approxi
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Do you want to replace the wells, the windows, or the covers on them?
So whats the question???????
I have to replace rusted window well walls. These are egress wells that are quite deep (84"). IF I can use the tapered blocks, the ones that are used for curved retaining walls so they would fit in a "U" shape, they would be tiered and I could use them as egress "stairs". If I can't tier them I can use the current metal egress ladders, but I would prefer the tiers so that I could put some plants etc. on the various ledges so the basement rooms will look more inviting. I think using blocks would most likely be cheaper, look a WHOLE LOT better than the metal wells, and should not have to be replaced again. I would have to have covers made, but since I live in the desert and there is a sump for each window well (there are three of them but at this point only two will have to be replaced) I only need the covers to be made of rebar or other strong metal for safety purposes.
I may have to get an engineer's drawing and get it approved by the city, but I am just in the "drawing board " phase of the project, though I have done quite a bit of research regarding window wells. There are various premade units, but they cost at least $2,000 (probably not including shipping), and are made of either corrigated metal (again), and/or some sort of plastic. I would think they would be more difficult to retrofit, i.e. getting a good dirt fill behind them. I have room for any excess dirt that could be used to enhance my landscaping.
Thank you for any help/ideas you can give me.
The question is that I would like to replace at least two of the corrigated metal wells with the blocks that are used in retaining walls. At least some of them would have to be tapered because of the rounding nature of the design, and placed in increasingly larger layers for egress purposes. My wells are approximately 84" deep and each well has a sump pump. I have room to expand the space the wells take and a place to use the excess dirt, but I don't know if it is possible to replace the metal with the blocks.
I think this video might help you. Our neighbor just refinished his basement into bedrooms and media room. He had a contractor do his two wells just like this with steps in case of emergency. I would think you could do the same thing yourself if you're strong & fit! Let us know how it turned out!