We have a lightwell in the basement with a window and an unsightly lean-to cover outside to stop rain water getting in.
We want to remove the lean -to cover so the window can be used as a means of escape.
The problem is we have no drainage outside the window in the lightwell.
The only option I can think of is to build a low ventilated upstand (150mm) around the top of the light well and fix a poly covered escape access hatch to it to prevent the lightwell from flooding.
Not sure this complies with building regulations...as you need to get through the window then the access hatch if there's a fire. Would this be compliant?
Or does anyone know any way we don't need an escape access hatch over the lightwell and drain water away some way?
There's definitely no drainage around the lightwell and we do not have a cavity drainage system inside the basement, so bringing water in a pumping it out with a sump pump is not an option.
Any advice much appreciated.
We want to remove the lean -to cover so the window can be used as a means of escape.
The problem is we have no drainage outside the window in the lightwell.
The only option I can think of is to build a low ventilated upstand (150mm) around the top of the light well and fix a poly covered escape access hatch to it to prevent the lightwell from flooding.
Not sure this complies with building regulations...as you need to get through the window then the access hatch if there's a fire. Would this be compliant?
Or does anyone know any way we don't need an escape access hatch over the lightwell and drain water away some way?
There's definitely no drainage around the lightwell and we do not have a cavity drainage system inside the basement, so bringing water in a pumping it out with a sump pump is not an option.
Any advice much appreciated.