Millions of homes across the U.S. have egress windows and accompanying window wells. The reason so many homes feature them is because they have several benefits. First and foremost, egress windows act as a safety measure by providing a method of escape for inhabitants in the event of an emergency. Egress windows also let light into the basement of a home and allow the homeowner to transform basement space into additional living space, as it is required by law that all basement bedrooms have two modes of egress. You may even be surprised to learn that, when installed correctly, window wells can help drain water away from a home’s basement and foundation.
When moisture enters a basement, a variety of issues can result. Frozen water trapped in a concrete foundation wall can cause cracking, and water leaking in a hot basement during the summer can lead to hazardous mold spores.
Window wells are not the only type of tool in the fight to keep a basement dry, but they are an important resource that is often required by local building codes if the basement contains liveable space. When window wells are not properly maintained, they can actually cause more harm to a basement than good. If you own a home that has window wells, read on for tips on how to waterproof and maintain these critical components.
Window Well Drainage
A window well needs adequate drainage, otherwise it runs the risk of water pooling and leaking into your basement through the window or foundation wall. When planning for window well drainage, it is important to consider whether an exterior or interior approach is more appropriate for your home.
Exterior window well drains are installed below the gravel base of the window well. These drains run down parallel to your foundation wall and connect with the drainage system surrounding your home (sometimes called “drain tile”).
Interior window well drains, on the other hand, work by directing water to your basement’s interior sump pump system instead of your home’s exterior perimeter drain. In homes without a sump pump system, the interior window well drain can be connected to the main drain in your basement’s flooring.
Ensuring Proper Foundation Grading
The soil surrounding your home can be an asset or a liability, depending on how it is graded. “Grading” refers to the degree of slope of the soil around your foundation. If the soil around your home is graded towards your foundation wall and window wells, water will flow and pool around your home. This can lead to excess moisture entering your basement and a call to a Milwaukee basement waterproofing expert is likely to follow.
Fixing the soil grading is a fairly easy job that can be accomplished on a weekend day. A rule of thumb when grading soil around your foundation is to ensure one inch of rise for every one foot away from your foundation wall. For example, if you measure straight out 3 feet from the top of the soil against your foundation, you should be able to use a ruler and have at least 3 inches of vertical clearance.
Be sure to use a soil with a high clay content, as this type of soil is much more water resistant compared to your average topsoil. This may require a trip to a landscaping center as opposed to your local home store. Be sure to inspect your soil grading on a regular basis, as Mother Nature can cause the soil to flatten and move over time.
Inspect and Replace the Gravel
The layer of gravel that sits at the base of a window well serves an important role by filtering out dirt and debris from water as it makes its way to the drainage system. Much like a tap water filter, over time this debris can accumulate and reduce the overall effectiveness of the filtration system.
If excess water is pooling in your window well, replacing the gravel can be a cheap and effective first step to take. Grade the gravel away from the window for an extra layer of basement waterproofing.
By ensuring proper drainage, grading soil away from the foundation, and keeping the gravel clean, homeowners can rest assured that their window wells are helping keep their basement dry while also providing a necessary safety measure. Inspect your window wells on a regular basis and contact Zablocki Waterproofing for help with any other basement waterproofing or foundation repair needs.
