Ingress-egress windows can be a drainage problem
When considering finishing the basement to living space, many homeowners get extra happy when thinking of what happens to the value of their home when ingress-egress windows are constructed in the foundation wall in conjunction with basement remodeling for living area.
The added living space increases the value of the home by quite a bit in most cases. Ingress-egress windows are required for basements without adequate fire exits when finished living areas in the basement are used as bedrooms.
Ingress and egress windows allow persons to enter and exit the basement area, and most commonly step out from the foundation 3-4 feet in width. These huge window wells can be a home drainage nightmare however, and can allow groundwater from hard rains to saturate below grade and foul the living areas that are created.
Three items of construction engineering can help stop this groundwater problem in most cases.
1. Compact and raise the grade at the foundation for better run off.
2. Install a hand excavated french drain about 18″ from the foundation wall, and not closer that 12″-18″ from the front of the ingress-egress window so the shed roof flows the rainwater away from the foundation and to the front of the hand excavated french drain.
3. Cover the ingress-egress window with a code approved shed roof covering that will protect the ingress-egress window from rain falling right into it and saturating the foundation wall.
These three concepts, properly used, can save your basement from moisture and mold, as well as ruined carpets, paneling and furniture. See other articles in this website for more detailed information. The articles will be under in-out windows and ingress-egress windows.