Unlike foundation cracks, most homeowners aren’t surprised to learn their basement windows are a major risk factor for water intrusion. Waterproofing window wells and the windows inside of them is an important step toward keeping your basement safe from the weather.
Window Well Waterproofing Step-By-Step Guide
Waterproofing window wells protects your basement from water damage and improves your home’s overall safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide by our basement waterproofing experts at EverDry Toledo.
1. Inspect and Clean the Area
Before waterproofing, inspect and clean the area thoroughly. This essential step ensures you identify potential vulnerabilities and create a clean surface for applying waterproofing materials. Proper preparation is key for long-term success.
a. Inspect The Window Carefully
Examine the window well and surrounding areas for wear and tear. Look for cracks in the foundation walls, signs of rust, or gaps that may allow water intrusion. Identifying these issues early is crucial for effective waterproofing.
b. Remove Debris
Clear out any debris, such as leaves or twigs from the window well. This helps prevent water buildup and ensures a smooth waterproofing process.
c. Clean Surfaces for Sealing
Thoroughly clean all surfaces requiring sealing to ensure proper adhesion of sealants. Use a brush or pressure washer to remove dirt and grime. Allow the area to dry completely before proceeding to apply sealants for maximum effectiveness.
2. Check for Proper Drainage
Proper drainage is essential to keep your window wells free of water accumulation. Ensure your window well has an effective drainage system, typically consisting of a layer of gravel and a drain pipe.
If your current drainage system is not working properly, or don’t have one at all, you may need to install a new one.
a. Install a Drain (If Necessary)
When a window well is collecting more water than it can drain, you likely need to check the gravel layer and install a window well drain. This drain will help manage an abundance of water entering your window well, allowing it to properly drain out of the well and away from your foundation.
If your window well doesn’t already have a drain, or if the drain has become damaged, it’s strongly recommended to contact a professional. Exterior window well drains are not a DIY project and improperly installing one can lead to flooding or foundation damage.
b. Replace the Gravel (If Necessary)
Over time, the gravel in your window wells can become clogged with dirt, sand, and debris. When this happens, and the water cannot drain properly, it will cause pressure on the well and the window on all sides. Inevitably, your window’s seal will allow a small amount of water inside, growing more severe every time it rains.
Replacing the gravel is an easier fix for most homeowners and in many cases helps restore the effectiveness of the drain. If you notice a build-up of water in your window well, take a look at the gravel!
3. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Sealing cracks and gaps in and around your window wells is vital for creating a watertight barrier that prevents water infiltration. This step is essential when it comes to waterproofing window wells.
a. Identify Problem Areas
Examine the window well and its connection to the house to pinpoint potential entry points for water. Look for visible cracks, gaps, or other vulnerabilities in the foundation walls and around the edges of the window well.
You should already have an idea of the problem areas after the first step.
b. Choose a Sealant
Select a high-quality waterproof sealant designed for outdoor use. Opt for products that can withstand temperature changes and harsh weather to ensure durability and effective sealing.
c. Apply the Sealant
Proper application of sealant is crucial for achieving a durable and watertight finish. Here’s a brief step-by-step guide on how to seal a window well.
- Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and free of dust or loose particles
- Apply the sealant carefully, filling all cracks and gaps completely
- Use a caulking tool to smooth out the sealant, creating a flush seal with the surface
- Wipe away any excess sealant before it dries
- Allow the sealant to cure fully, following the manufacturer’s instructions for best results
4. Install a Window Well Cover
Not everyone needs an open window well. When you want to minimize the water that can get in, and don’t mind a potential loss of sunlight or airflow, a window well cover may be a good option. These covers go on over the entire rim of the window well, blocking and angling water away from your home.
Models range from clear to opaque, giving you a range of choices. For families with young children, you can look for special covers that are designed to hold weight, in case a child falls onto them.
Your new window well covers don’t just keep out the rain. During the fall, leaves can quickly fill your window wells and disrupt their ability to drain. Trash, dirt, and other debris can otherwise find their way into your wells at any time of year too.
Be conservative with any cuts you need to make to fit your cover. The overall shape of the plastic helps keep it from bending and also directs water off the cover. If you end up with a flat cover, it won’t work as well and could allow water to seep towards your foundation.
5. Apply a Waterproof Membrane
For an added safeguard, consider applying a waterproof membrane to the exterior surfaces of your window well. This thin, watertight layer creates a continuous barrier to keep water out.
Steps to apply a waterproof membrane to your window wells:
- Clean and dry the surface
- Apply a primer if recommended by the manufacturer
- Measure and cut the membrane to fit the area around the window well
- Ensure there are no air bubbles or wrinkles during application
- Use a roller or brush to smooth the membrane and bond it to the surface
- Overlap the edges of the membrane
6. Inspect and Fix the Grading Near the Window Wells
If the grading around your home is sloping towards the window wells, it will reduce their ability to defend your home against water. In the worst cases, prolonged rain and saturated ground will direct too much water toward your foundation, flooding your basement.
Check the grading around your home, especially near vulnerable places like window wells. If the grading isn’t directing water away from your house, contact a professional to correct the problem.
7. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your window wells remain waterproof and functional over time. Consistent care will help prevent costly repairs and prolong the effectiveness of your waterproofing efforts.
a. Routine Inspections
Inspect your window wells at least once each season and after major weather events like heavy rains or snowmelt. Look for leaks, structural damage, or signs of wear that could compromise waterproofing.
b. Drainage System Check
Remove any obstructions from the drainage system and test its functionality by pouring water into the well. Ensure the water flows properly and doesn’t accumulate.
c. Sealant and Membrane Check
Examine the condition of the sealants and waterproof membrane, as these materials can degrade over time. Reapply sealant or repair the membrane as needed to maintain a watertight barrier.
Additional Tips for Waterproofing Window Wells
Here are some additional professional tips for window well waterproofing.
Replace Your Basement Windows
Windows are designed to handle the elements, but they’re not impenetrable. Over the years, wear and tear can cause damage to them that leaves your home vulnerable. Constant water damage can rot away the frame or the seal, allowing a leak to grow worse every time it rains. A shifting foundation can also damage the frame, leading to similar issues.
If you’ve tried everything but water is still entering your home, you may need to replace your windows.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Poorly-maintained gutters and downspouts are one of the most common causes of foundation damage or leaks. Homeowners who don’t realize the importance of gutters often find themselves with flooded basements or cracks in their foundation.
Overflowing gutters or downspouts that don’t direct water far enough from your foundation can permit a staggering amount of water to seep down along your home. This pressure, over time, can cause significant damage.
Signs of Leaking in Window Wells
Now sure if window well waterproofing is right for you? Here are some signs of leaking window wells to keep in mind.
Water Trickling Down Walls – During or shortly after rainfall, a clear sign of a leaking window well is trickling water. In most cases, you can see this water coming down the walls underneath your window well.
Staining or Water Damage on Walls – You don’t need to see water actively leaking through your window wells to notice the signs of moisture intrusion. In most cases, water will leave evidence, such as stains, discoloration, or pockets of damaged paint.
Puddles Underneath Basement Windows – Another obvious sign of leaking window wells is a collection of water on the ground near the basement window.
Mold Near Windows – Leaky basements are an ideal location for the growth of mold.
This image has been taken from our Photo Gallery.
What To Do If Your Window Well is Filling With Water?
If your window well begins to fill with water, swift action is crucial to prevent damage. Follow these steps to address the issue and protect your home.
1. Assess the Situation
Start by identifying the cause of the water accumulation. Possible causes include a debris blockage or a malfunctioning drainage system.
2. Prevent Further Water Damage
Take immediate steps to limit water damage. If water is entering your basement through the window, soak up the water with towels or rags, place absorbent materials like sandbags, relocate vulnerable items, and use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the remaining water from the floor. In extreme cases, buy or rent a pump to address larger water volumes.
3. Document the Issue
Document the problem by taking notes and photos. This will help you pinpoint the cause of the blockage and water leaks and provide clear evidence when seeking professional assistance.
4. Drain Your Window Well
To prevent further damage, remove the water from the window well using a pump or wet/dry vacuum. Acting quickly minimizes the risk of water seeping into your home.
Schedule Your FREE 20-Point Inspection
Waterproofing window wells is just one way to keep your basement dry – professional waterproofing is the best step you can take to protect your home.
EverDry Toledo is an experienced provider of basement waterproofing services that can assist you with a FREE 20-point basement inspection! We have served over 80,000 basements since 1986 and we’ll help you find out if your home is at risk for water damage and which solutions will best serve you.
Contact us online to schedule an appointment or give us a call at (419) 841-6055.
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