What Are Window Wells

Consider yourself very lucky if your home has window wells. Without them, you would not be able to let daylight into your basement, making it a darker and less inviting space.

So why do many homeowners with window wells not consider themselves lucky? Window wells sometimes fill with water, which can flood basements. Even if it does not flood, ongoing seepage can lead to moisture problems like mold and bad odours.

What's the Problem?

For most of the past 50 years, window wells were made with a galvanized steel barrier that keeps the surrounding earth away from the window. The barrier is open at the top to let daylight in and open at the bottom to let water out. Debris can collect at the bottom of the window well, or the weeping tile that channels water away can become clogged, making it difficult for water to drain. During rains or snow-melt, the water can build up in the window well and it has nowhere to go, except into your basement.

Grass and weeds can grow at the bottom of window wells. Not only do they make it more difficult for water to drain, they block out daylight and are difficult to remove. The galvanized steel that most window wells are made of can rust and become dark, which not only looks bad, but lets even less light into your basement.

You can test the drainage ability of your window wells with a simple flood test. Put your garden hose nozzle on the bottom of your window well, making sure it is not pointed directly at the window. Turn the water on full for about 5 seconds. If the water drains quickly (in a few seconds), your drainage is good - if not, you could have a problem.

Clearly there are new solutions for your window well problems. The professional staff at Clarke Basement Systems will not only understand your problem, they will help you find the best solution. Call them now to learn more about window wells before you have a real problem on your hands - or in your basement.

Hello my name is Don Clarke, my company is Clarke Basement Systems, we specialize in waterproofing basements, for a free inspection and estimate go here Window Wells and Basements

Contact Dahl-House Construction for a free In-Home Consultation for your Denver-Boulder home window well remodeling project by calling 303.915.5011 or complete our service request form.