 | The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject.(May 2021) |
A window well is a recess in the ground around a building to allow for installment of bigger windows in a basement either below ground or partially below ground. By making it possible to put in a larger window, the window can act as a safer emergency exit in case of fire as well as letting in additional daylight for the enjoyment of the people inside. Such a (basement) window where people can escape through in case of an emergency is sometimes called an egress window. [1]
Minimum window sizes may be required by building code [2] (particularly for bed and living rooms) due to fire safety, which often makes it necessary to install window wells. Window wells are sometimes covered by a window well cover to avoid snow and debris to enter the pit, as well as preventing fall injuries into the window well.
