Converting window well into a full height door

[DoubleStud]

If I convert a window well into a full height door and add retaining wall and stairs (direct basement access from exterior), how do you avoid cold bridges? The footing of the basement is no longer buried to frost depth.

 

[DTS419]

You likely will need to underpin the foundation to provide frost protection. This can usually be done with concrete or crushed stone.

 

[XR250]

Is 3 ft. of linear exposure really going to cause a frost heave issue? There is probably enough surrounding heat to mitigate this.

 

[DoubleStud]

XR250, well.. mostly trying to warm the place up. Burying the foundation does give you somewhat of insulation? No?

 

[DTS419]

Is 3 ft. of linear exposure really going to cause a frost heave issue? There is probably enough surrounding heat to mitigate this.

Probably not, but the building official is likely to require the frost protection.