This hole is
typically present to provide access into the crawl space located underneath your
house or around a window located in the basement area of your home that allows
light to enter and is sometimes large enough to allow escape from the basement
in emergency situations.
After the
hole is created builders will typically place a metal ring to keep the dirt
from re-entering the hole. This metal ring is referred to as an area wall. Area walls come in several shapes, sizes, and
depths and are best when constructed out of galvanized metal. Galvanized metal area walls will come in
different gauged metal for durability.
Crawl space
area walls that have a metal ring can generally be replaced easily due to the
smaller depth of wells used to retain the soil in this area. Homeowners generally decide to replace these
area walls when deterioration of the well occurs or when the homeowner wishes
to create a larger access opening to allow easier entrance into the crawl space
area.
Basement
area wall replacement however sometimes is more involved. When looking to
increase the size or depth of the area wall to allow for an egress well system
that provides emergency escape you may have to seek the help from a licensed
contractor. Smaller basement area walls
that have smaller depths can be easily removed and replaced.
If you are
looking to replace this area wall with an area wall similar in size you will
need to take some measurements.
1.) Determine if you have a
Semi-Round or Elongated well.
2.) Measure (A) length and (B) width
3.) Measure from outside well edge
to outside well edge (A)
and from
the foundation or house wall to the outside
well edge
(B)
4.) To determine the depth you will
need measure from the top of the well
edge straight down to bottom of hole
Visit www.customcoversinc.com for area wall replacement products available in a variety of shapes,
sizes and depths.
