If your home has a basement, it may have windows that are below finish grade.
These windows should be “window-wells” around them that, besides creating a place for the windows to open into, keep dirt from impacting the wood trim and other window components. These window wells should be kept free of dirt, debris and vegetation—-or the covered wood components will be subject to Rot and/or infestation by wood destroying insects.
They should be big enough to allow for the necessary clearances between finish grade and the wood components—the same as is required all around the home.
It seems that homeowners rarely keep these window-wells free of vegetation and debris and hidden damage is common.
Of course if the window is used for escape and rescue from the basement, keeping these windows clear becomes even more important.
What do your window-wells look like?
Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector
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