Judy Amsbury
10-17-2002, 04:52 AM
I have had replacement window wells installed as part of a complete foundation waterproofing job. How far below the window sill should the level of gravel be and why? What depth of gravel should be there and what size? My basement windows are full size, as they are bedroom windows. The sills and frames are 15 year old wood , with sills sitting about 18" below grade.
The contractor has installed 14" deep metal wells, with 3/4" gravel that comes right to the top of the sill. The depth of gravel in the wells varies from 2" to 6". The window wells are not bolted to the foundation either. The soil is mostly clay. Upon excavation to install drainage pipe and waterproof the foundatrion walls with tar and plastic membrane, many boulders which were lying near the footings were not removed but ended up being dumped back when he back filled the trench. I believe these boulders will dislodge the wells upon heaving with frost and I am also going to have water coming in thro my windows . He is telling me there is nothing wrong and is stalling on fulfillling the so called warranty. I have unfortunately paid him in full. HELP!
The contractor has installed 14" deep metal wells, with 3/4" gravel that comes right to the top of the sill. The depth of gravel in the wells varies from 2" to 6". The window wells are not bolted to the foundation either. The soil is mostly clay. Upon excavation to install drainage pipe and waterproof the foundatrion walls with tar and plastic membrane, many boulders which were lying near the footings were not removed but ended up being dumped back when he back filled the trench. I believe these boulders will dislodge the wells upon heaving with frost and I am also going to have water coming in thro my windows . He is telling me there is nothing wrong and is stalling on fulfillling the so called warranty. I have unfortunately paid him in full. HELP!