A GUIDE TO BASEMENT WINDOW WELLS

However, you can install larger basement windows that are located partially underground when you add wells to the window exteriors. These wells act as retention walls that hold soil a distance away from the windows located partially underground, so plenty of natural sunlight can enter them.

Prevent Basement Window Leaks

Even when basement windows are installed at ground level, water that accumulates near the window frames can seep through the window seals, potentially leading to basement water damage.

Window Well Materials

While window wells can be made from a variety of materials, three popular window well materials today include metal, plastic, and concrete.

Metal

Metal window wells are typically made from galvanized steel, which is a form of rust- and corrosion-resistant steel. Steel is a strong material that can hold up well for many years, however, if the corrosion-resistant coating develops a scratch or nick, this window well material can rust.

Plastic

Window wells made from plastic materials cannot rust or corrode over time, and plastic is available in many attractive colors. However, some types of plastic can warp over time when exposed to the sun's heat and UV rays. Keep this fact in mind when you choose the material for the window wells in locations that receive strong sunlight for many hours each day.

Concrete

Precast concrete window wells are strong, durable, and resistant to sun damage and all types of corrosion. In addition, concrete wells can be stamped with unique patterns to create very attractive window wells. However, concrete window wells are often very heavy, so installation can be difficult.

Window Well Cover Options

While window well covers are optional, they can prevent debris accumulation and even rain water entry into your window wells. These covers can also keep small animals from jumping or falling into your wells and getting stuck inside. The covers will also keep small children safe from falling into deeper wells.

While window well cover options vary greatly, a few of your choices include: 

• Solid polycarbonate covers . Polycarbonate window well covers are strong and typically clear. They protect your window well from both debris and rain water entry without blocking sunlight. Additionally, children and adults can often walk on extra strong covers.
• Metal grate covers . Metal grate covers are strong and help keep debris out of your window wells without blocking the entry of rain water. These covers can also keep some small animals from falling into your window wells and most can be walked on when necessary.
• Polyethylene grates . Polyethylene grates offer advantages similar to metal grate covers. However, unlike metal, polyethylene will not rust or corrode over time.
• Polyethylene bubble covers . Bubble covers are ideal for the wells of windows located completely or partially above ground. Polyethylene bubble covers keep debris, rain water, and animals out of window wells without blocking the flow of sunlight into the well.

The right window well cover for a specific window well depends on the homeowner's desires and the shape and size of the window well.

If you are finishing your unfinished basement, then be sure to include window wells in your design plans if you plan to install basement windows. Contact the residential waterproofing professionals at Rite-Way Waterproofing for expert basement window well installation today.