Basement Window Well Drainage Problems

What are the common problems with window wells.

Basement window well drainage problems.

Window well drainage is a very common problem in people s basements and is a major basement waterproofing problem. Window well drainage is a subject that very few homeowners think about until their basements flood after heavy rains. Signs of window well drainage problems window well drainage facts. Then you have a whole other issue on your hands.

Common window well problems. Window wells are required when any portion of a basement window is below grade. The specially designed enclosure also reflects lots of natural light into the basement. Take some time to solve the initial problem before it leads to something much more serious.

Window wells require drainage when water gets inside the well it must be able to drain away otherwise water continues to rise and eventually leaks into your basement in through the window. Drains can be connected to interior or exterior drain tile or can be run to daylight where a proper slope exists. Window wells are designed to let natural light into the basement. Window well drain every window well should have a drain to allow water to exit the window well and not build to a level that creates a basement seepage problem.

A cover for you metal window well made out of a clear material will still allow the light to filter into the basement without the constant upkeep of the hole. Many homeowners damage their finished basement. These are the fundamental problems of having a metal window well in your home. To determine whether drainage is the problem run water from a hose into the well to see how quickly it drains away.

The water level. When a window well has inadequate drainage or if it has not been installed properly accumulated water often pours right through the basement window resulting in a flooded basement within a very short period of time. The cover for your metal window well will also make it safe for toddlers to avoid the hole. Not only can the well become filled with water but a drainage problem can cause the water to come through the window and into your basement.

While a quick day time load of laundry is made easier by window well lighting there may be times you wish you didn t have window wells at all. If this happens the window well may need to be dug out again and a new well attached to the home. Our sunhouse basement window enclosure has a sturdy clear cover that keeps out water and debris and an enclosed bottom prevents weeds from growing inside the well. The window enclosure will never rot rust or corrode and can extend the life of the window frames.

If your home has a basement you re almost guaranteed to have a window well. Today s construction practices mandate the installation of window wells when basement windows are at or below grade. Water on the floor beneath the basement window.