How to Repair a Concrete Block Egress Window Well

An egress window well is a great way to not only add more safety to your home, but also great value. The egrees window is a large area built into the concrete foundation for easy escape in the event of a fire or other disaster. Egress window wells are made out of a wide variety of materials such as wood timbers, concrete blocks and bricks. You can even purchase pre-fabricated egress window wells for ease of installation. With a concrete block egress window well, there is the chance that you will need to repair portions of the wall if the blocks crack. Here are some steps to do the job with little problem.

Step 1: Determine Where Repair is Needed

If you notice that something is wrong with the cement block egress window well that you have, the problem may be something other than what you believe it to be. Look over the egress window well and make sure that there are no other problems attributing to cracked blocks or an uneven wall. 

Step 2: Brace Wall

If the wall is uneven you will need to brace the wall securely in order to do any work on it. This will also go for replacing any broken cement bocks. Use lengths of 2 by 4 lumber to brace the wall against the surrounding dirt and house walls.

Step 3: Dig Under Wall 

One of the problems with the concrete block egress wall is that it can sink into the ground if it is not on a stable foundation. The concrete blocks should be on a firm bedding of crushed stone. Dig down under the blocks and place some more braces so you can work without worry of it falling over. Build up the ground under the wall with rocks and stones. Fill in around the egress wall when finished.

Step 4: Remove Mortar

Another problem is that a concrete block may have cracked because of a shifting in the soil. To repair this you will need to replace the block. Dig out the mortar around the block with a spade or a small hand trowel.

Step 5: Brace Upper Block

Before you take out the broken concrete block in the egress window well you will need to brace the blocks above it. Place the 2 by 4 standing vertically on the lip of the block and one that is at an angle. 

Step 6: Remove Block and Replace

With the wall braced again for the removal of the block you can slide out the broken block. Remove it from the area so you have more room to work in. Clean out the hole where the block will go. Spread out a new layer of mortar around the block on all sides. Lift it into position and work it around until it is even with the others.

Step 7: Use Some Concrete Patch

If the crack in the egress window well is just superficial and not going to weaken the integrity of the wall you can simply use some concrete filler as a patch. This product comes in a tube and is used through the use of a caulking gun.