What Is a Window Well and How Do I Maintain it?
It might seem like a silly question but for those who are new homeowners or don’t own a home, they may not know what a window well is or its purpose. Homes that have a lower level or basement will generally need a window. Basement windows are needed to allow extra light into the basement and to have a place to escape the home in case of emergency. Window wells are installed by digging a hole outside of the window and a window well liner is placed inside. A window well liner is usually a u‑shaped, ribbed metal or plastic solid barrier that keeps the earth from falling back in once the hole is dug around the window. But like many things in a home, window wells require professional installation and maintenance.
How Do I Maintain My Window Wells?
Window wells are installed with drains. The reason a window well needs a drain is so that rainwater does not fill up inside the well and put pressure against the glass, which can cause seepage or glass breakage. There are two types of drains that can be installed:
- Exterior drains which sit in the gravel pit at the bottom of the window well. This drain extends to the base of the foundation and is connected to a perimeter drain. These are the typical drains installed when the home was constructed.
- Interior drains redirect rainwater to the sump basin. Once in the sump basin, water is pumped away from the home by the sump pump using a network of pipes. Since sump pumps are located inside the home, it would be required to cut a hole in the foundation wall to connect the sump pump to the window well.
An easy way to maintain a window well is to buy a proper fitting solid window well cover. The cover will keep most of the rainwater out of the window well and also helps keep leaves and debris from getting inside the well and clogging the drain.
However, there are window wells that do not have a solid fitting cover. It might have grids, grates, or no cover at all. This can allow for animals, leaves, debris, seeds, etc. to fall inside the well. Keeping the drain area and the well clean and free of any type of intrusion, including weeds is important to proper drainage.
It is best to clear out your window wells twice a year; once in fall and once in spring. It is also important that the gravel in your well is loose. Gravel that is packed tight makes it harder for water to drain effectively.
Over time window well liners can become worn down. They can become damaged, rust through, or become detached from the foundation wall. This can deteriorate your window frame, allow for water blockage, and ultimately allowing water into the basement.
U.S. Waterproofing has over 65 years of window well experience and knowledge. Protecting Chicagoland basements is our specialty from foundation wall cracks to sump pumps, to foundation repair, and yard drainage. If you have basement seepage or think you might need your window wells inspected, you can book a free estimate online 24⁄7.
