Window wells also allow exit from the house if the stairs are unapproachable. 

They are best for bringing in air and light; when the basement is very dark and also damp.

However, the installation of both wells and windows has to be done appropriately; given that they are responsible to retain the soil around the window area, preventing leaks or unwanted drainage in the well itself; and also to allow for proper daylight and ventilation go through the window.

Moreover, if you look to guarantee that your basement waterproofing is as it should be; one important thing you might not want to do is to ignore or also overlook the wells in any single way.

And, if you by now didn’t give much thinking to your window wells; it might be time to think and plan harder about installing, replacing or repairing them up. They will add major value to your house in several ways. Draintony offers comprehensive window well services at reasonably priced rates.

Frequently, especially in much older houses, the window wells act just like wells. 

Even though the form a space for light and air, and also a barrier to seize back the soil; they present great opportunity for water leaks in your basement.

Moreover, in order to defend your windows wells from damage and also make the cleaning process easy; you have to install special basement egress window wells covers. The major types of window well covers include; the bubble-shaped covers, sloped covers, atrium covers, flat window covers, and angle ground covers.

Different windows wells are installed in many houses for the purpose of emergency exit act. Therefore, they can be used by emergency crews when emergency arises. The escape and rescue opening will lead directly into a yard or a public way.

According to the recent International Residential code; basements, livable attics and every single sleeping room must have at least one working emergency escape.  

The basements that contain more than one sleeping rooms; an emergency escape and also rescue opening is required in each and every sleeping room.

Window wells will protect your home from snow, rain, ice, debris, animals and intruders, on top of providing your house with natural light; they will give you a peace of mind and also beautify your property. Even when a well is not obligatory by your home insurance or your local building code; you should consider it as an essential for your home.

The Wells Will Save You Money

Many homeowners ask the same question – are the window wells necessary for my home? Apparently, homes that don’t have basements – don’t need wells also; however if you have an opening which extends below ground, the cost of not having a suitable window well may turn out to be devastating. Snow, rain and ice may cause flooding; they can be destructive for your windows, the exterior walls and also the internal space of your basement. Rats, insects and many other parasites will use the unsecured window as a passage to your home. The choice not to have a well only to save a little money will do you more damage than good in the long run.

Accurate Windows Wells Drain installation will save your basement from flooding. If we exclude a sump pump failure, a large amount of water than may enter in your basement is right through the well. Particularly when the gutter downspouts are close, we’ve seen wells fill up and then their windows cracked, causing a flood in the basement. It is essential to have an appropriate window well drain installation in order to prevent this.

The Quality of the Window Wells

Certainly, having a damaged or low-quality window well might be as terrible as not to have one at all. Poorly constructed wells are susceptible to collapse, shift or rust; exposing your house to danger. The wells are necessary for all homes; and that is not all you require. In order to protect your basement you must have a window well cover. Open window well is a big danger to you and your family or pets; they may fall in. There is a reason why many homeowners’ insurance policies oblige for the window wells to be covered securely. If you need window wells installation we are the ones you want to call.

Usual Window Well Problems

• Not Enough Drainage – When the snow starts to melt and the rain starts falling, the wells are filling up with water. And they hold it until you get it out or until erosion crates a space between the window and the foundation; allowing the water to leak in. The water will in the worst-case scenario, pour into your basement. And the pressure can even break the glass. Water must never just assemble in your window well; it has to be able to leave immediately without having time to build up.
• Poor Installation – If the installation of your window well is not precise initially; it won’t be capable to carry on the water out and away from your property.
• Incorrect Window Well Sizing – If your well is not deep or wide enough to provide accommodation in your specific area; you will likely going to run into some big waterproofing issues.
• Gravel Layer Contamination – If the gravel layer is polluted with too much debris; it will not be able to drain properly.

Accurate installation of the window wells means properly drainage and not letting any leak finding its way in the basement.

And their drains must be designed to avoid many different obstructions. They should not need covers, although millions of people use them; and must ensure you have an efficient way of escaping the basement, if there is no way out.

As the home owner, you have to be sure that the wells are seasonally cleaned, washed, checked and so on. If you do this you will have no problems. You will certainly enjoy a good practice with the window wells in years to come.

Sadly, not all window wells installers are experts in drainage or basements. And they will not install the window wells properly; whether they are installed, replaced or just upgraded.

Draintony has many services concerning to your property’s foundation. 

Window wells may look like a boring topic, but they are serving quite a lot of purposes. They are in fact very important structural component of your house. And if you have a basement, the window wells and the window well accessories are a must. 

Here’s why;

• Safety – Foremost, you need the window wells to keep you safe. Window wells serve as exit, escape or entrance in emergencies like a burglary, fire etc.
• That’s the law. – Approximately all county and city building codes and also insurance policies require the window wells in the basements. It is a good idea to have them when your basement is unfinished, also.
• Natural light – Window wells are allowing natural light into your home. The natural light will take your basement from dark to bright and attractive. The materials of the window wells come in a range of good-looking stone and metal finishes; which may even add external charm to your house.  
• Ventilation – Basements are usually characterized as musty and damp. The well will allow the outside air come into your basement directly, so the area will be always dry and fresh. This will save your money usually spend on utilities and also increase the general value of your house.

The window well covers are important for structural security

• The well offers many benefits, but they can also bring in some issues. In the periods of heavy rainfall, snow, water and ice can collect in your well. Here’s why the window wells cover is much appreciated; it will keep the water and the debris out of your well and away from the windows, not leaking into your home. The covers are accessible in plain, UV resistant assortment that will not risk the natural light entrance.
• The covers improve safety – Not only you need the covers for protecting your basement; you also need them for the safety of your children and even pets. This can sound ridiculous, but the wells, particularly the ones that are significantly deep, can be dangerous to little children and also pets. The covers will stop the accidental fall and also many of them will hold up a lot of pounds of weight.

These are the steps involved in window wells installation;

• First we measure and evaluate the basement window
• Then we choose appropriate window well that fits these dimension. 
• Next, we are digging the hole
• And, construct the drain
• The construction of the drain requires three uncomplicated steps: We start with auger, then set up the drain and finally add some gravel.
• Then we are placing the window well in the hole
• We drill the necessary pilot holes
• Securing the well with screws
• Fill in the window well with gravel
• Filling in the remaining space in the hole with dirt
• Installing a window well cover
• Finally, test the drain to make sure that the well is draining efficiently.

How to Maintain Your Window Wells

The prime concern for window wells maintaining relates to debris; often leaves and many other organic matter that is falling in the well and ill eventually block the drainage system. This may result in water back up and in variety of unpleasant effects; ranging from water seepage through the absorbent concrete, with damp on your inside walls, to wrecked windows and internal water damage. Thus, what are you supposed to you do to preserve your window wells?

The most effective and simplest measure is to occasionally clear the debris that’s gathering in your wells. We are recommending this done twice a year; once in spring and once in fall. Along whit this, make sure that the drainage pipes that represent a part of your system are not clogged. Also, it is very important that the gravel in the well is free; so it can allow the water to efficiently drain into the perimeter drain. If in time the gravel becomes compressed, or also when it’s inappropriately installed at the very beginning with sand, the efficiency will be compromised.

After your window well installation, adding up a cover is easy and quick; and something that most of the homeowners can do by themselves.

In conclusion, if you are among the homeowners that are interested in preventative maintenance, you should then think about a window well cover. Although an assortment of types is available like plastic bubble covers, mesh and grill-type also, their function remains simple – preventing the debris to enter in the well by acting as a physical barrier among the well and also the elements.

To schedule window well installation in Toronto or the surrounding areas, give us a call at 416-938-5102 or contact us online today.