If your basement has windows, the chances are that they’re set into dugouts call window wells. These can have a nasty habit of filling with debris like leaves, mud and general ick. Keeping on top of their maintenance can work wonders for your home’s waterproofing and the benefits of a properly waterproofed basement can’t be overstated.
Understanding the Role Of Window Wells
Window wells serve a few purposes, but their primary function is to keep soil away from your basement windows. This allows them to do their job of letting light in to your basement. That’s what windows are for, after all.
They also offer a handy way for water to drain harmlessly away rather than pooling against the potential weak-spot that is a window frame. Assuming that everything is working as it should, window wells ensure that water doesn’t rot your frames or find its way inside through your windows.
A third benefit of window wells is that they provide an escape route during an emergency. Because they’re recessed below ground level, they allow your basement windows to be lower, offering an easier path out should it be necessary.
Common Problems
Issues with your window wells are generally caused by a few common issues. These can lead to what should be a beneficial thing becoming the cause of some nasty waterproofing headaches. The most common problems include:
- Improper Installation: Badly installed window wells can lead to poor drainage, letting water build up rather than flow harmlessly away. This could be down to misalignment or improper sealing and could lead to seepage or even flooding.
- Improperly installed covers: Covers are used to block debris from finding its way into your window wells. If they’re not properly installed, they won’t work. The result could be the accumulated soil and leaves acting as a sponge, holding water rather than letting it drain.
- Cracked or damaged wells: If the wells are damaged, they could allow water to seep into the basement rather than blocking it.
- Clogged drains: If the drains which should guide water harmlessly away become blocked, that water has to go somewhere. Most often, this will be through your basement windows and into your home.
- Pest Infestation: Neglected window wells are a haven for all kinds of pests from insects to rodents. Left alone, these can cause all kinds of issues as they chew, burrow and generally damage your home. It’s particularly important to keep an eye on seals for signs of chewing.
Steps for Proper Window Well Maintenance
Keeping on top of a few simple maintenance and cleaning tasks can work wonders to prevent basement water damage. Here’s what you should be doing:
Regular Cleaning
Not only will fishing out the debris that tends to accumulate in window wells allow more light in, it’ll stop all kinds of leaks. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your window wells and clean them out when you notice a problem starting to form. Every few months or so should be enough, though it will vary from season to season.
Inspecting and Repairing Damage
If you notice damage, cracks, rust or other signs of wear and tear, it’s important to act quickly. Damage has a habit of getting worse over time, so speed is of the essence. Seals can be replaced and cracks filled. Rust may require the removal and replacement of a section or, in the earlier stages, could simply need to be sanded and repainted.
Maintaining Drains
It’s a good idea to regularly test your window well drains to ensure they’re in working order. Pour a bucket of water down a recently cleared drain and make sure that it flows harmlessly away. If it pools, you’ll want to investigate.
Installing Covers
While not strictly necessary, window well covers can help block debris from finding its way in. You’ll need to ensure that they fit properly, are securely installed and in good condition. Keep them clear of the debris they catch and they should last for years.
Seasonal Work
It goes without saying that stepping up your maintenance routines during the rainy seasons makes sense. This is particularly true in the fall when fallen leaves are likely to be an issue, but it’s also worth clearing snow from wells too.
The Benefits Of Professional Window Well Maintenance
If that all seems like quite a lot of effort, there’s no shame in calling in the pros. In fact, hiring a professional to handle your window well maintenance comes with a load of advantages.
- An expert eye: A seasoned professional will notice problems before they become serious. The earlier you notice an issue, the easier the fix is likely to be and that can represent serious savings.
- Specialized Repair: While many repairs can be done by a confident DIYer, some will be beyond that scope. If you need to replace a damaged well, opting for professional window well installation is the obvious choice. Likewise, if a drainage problem isn’t fixed by clearing out the drains, a professional is probably the right option.
- Peace of Mind: As with any professional service, there’s a wonderful peace of mind that comes from knowing someone who really knows their stuff is handling it. The more expert the eye cast over your window wells, the less risk of problems developing after all.
Long-Term Protection For Your Basement
When properly looked after, a well maintained window well can offer a great boost to your basement. Not only do they allow natural light into the space, making it a more pleasant place to spend time and opening up options for usage, but they can help boost your home’s healthiness.
Properly functioning drains and cleared wells help avoid water damage. In turn this helps avoid mold and mildew growing down there. It also means that a prime source of structural damage is kept to a minimum, protecting your family and the value of your home.
In general, a properly waterproof basement is always a good investment. Keeping your window wells well maintained is a vital part of that.
