Windows are a popular way to lighten up your basement, but did you know it’s important to regularly maintain your basement window wells and drains?
Both of these structures ensure water isn’t seeping into your basement from the outside.
In this article, we’re going to share how to maintain your window wells. We’re also going to address when it may be time to call a professional home basement waterproofing company to replace them.
How Basement Window Wells Work
Part of foundation waterproofing is keeping up with your basement window wells. When you install a window in your basement, you also need to set up a window well and window drain to stop water from getting into your home.
Window wells are U-shaped and allow light and air to filter into your basement. They also serve as an emergency exit from your basement.
There is a space between the window well — typically covered in gravel — and the frame of your window. Window wells also have a drain at the bottom to divert water to the existing drain tile system located at the footing level or bottom of the foundation wall. If you don’t have a drain, you should consider getting one installed as soon as possible.
Here are some techniques to maintain your window wells:
- Ensure proper drainage around your home
- Grade the soil around your foundation
- Regularly replace gravel at the bottom of your window well
- If window well drains exist, regularly clean them of debris
- Install window well covers
- Maintain gutters & downspouts and caulk your windows regularly
- Apply concrete sealers
These are the best ways to protect your window wells and home foundation.
Do Your Window Wells Need Repair or Replacement?
Besides keeping up with the regular maintenance and repairs, how do you know when it’s time to replace window wells?
Old window wells become rusted and pull away from a home. In addition, window wells that aren’t maintained properly can back up and fill with water. What happens if water fills the window well? Similar to a fish tank, it can cause the window to leak, flood your basement, and in the worst-case scenario, break your window.
Simple repairs like caulking or replacing gravel can extend the life of your window wells, but if your basement keeps filling up with water, it may be time to call for residential basement waterproofing services. They’ll have to replace your window wells and drains.
Replacing your old window wells with new ones and connecting them properly to your existing drain tile system will prevent water damage and water flooding into your basement.
Tips on Keeping Your Basement Dry
Basement and crawlspace waterproofing is the key to protecting your home’s foundation. Water in your basement will lead to more significant problems.
Here are some tips to keep your basement dry:
- Foundation crack repair
- Install a drainage system
- Start using a sump pump
- Extend your gutters and downspouts
- Insulate basement walls and pipes
- Work on getting rid of humidity
And if nothing seems to be working, contact USS for our foundation waterproofing services.
Check Your Window Wells
After reading this article, we hope you have a chance to check your old basement window wells. It’s possible you may need to start repairs or call a residential basement waterproofing services company to replace them.
Call us today at 847-382-2882 if you have any questions about home basement waterproofing services or if you’d like to schedule a free consultation.
