Area wells are access areas for partially or entirely buried doors or windows, required by building codes. They can be lined with various materials, have ladders installed, and must meet specific code requirements. They can also be modified for delivery chutes or emergency exits.
An area well is an access area for a door or window that is partially or entirely buried. The area is kept clear around the opening to allow light in and to provide a safe method of exit in the event of an emergency. Area wells are often required by building codes and may be recommended by architects and contractors in locations where they are not specifically required by law.
To make an area look good, people dig and clean an area around the opening and line it with structural supports. These supports prevent the surrounding soil from sagging into the shaft and keep trees and shrubs free, ensuring that the opening remains freely accessible and visible. If there is a concern about falling well into the area or creating a method for animals to enter, it can be screened off with a grid.
Many materials can be used to line area wells, including metal, wood, and concrete. If the well is highly visible, stone or brick retaining walls can be used to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Ladders or ladders can be installed for easier access. For a basement apartment, for example, the area around the front door can be large enough to create room for the door to open, as well as room for people to sit outside the door.
When area wells are required by building code, it is important to make sure they are built according to the code. There may be specific requirements on the size and height of the walls, as well as arrangements for methods of entering or exiting the well. Grates and covers may be mandatory if a well is near a sidewalk or road, to prevent people or vehicles from falling.
In a new facility, the area well is built as the facility goes up. People may also renovate existing structures to add wells, and in cases where buildings are modified to create a basement, installation of a suitable basement outlet is required as part of the new construction. Openings large enough for people to exit are required in an emergency from which people cannot get out by climbing stairs and exiting at ground level or via an escape route with a ladder. Area pits can also be modified to act as delivery chutes; historically, for example, many people in northern climes had coal delivered to their basements.
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