How To Waterproof Basement Window Wells

Millions of American homes have egress windows. They take many benefits, which is why so many homes have them. Egress windows are a safety precaution that allows residents to escape in an emergency. Egress windows allow light to enter a basement and permit homeowners to convert basement space into living infinite. It is required that basement bedrooms have at least two ways of egress. Window wells, when properly installed, tin can drain water from the basement and foundation of a home.

Many bug can arise when wet gets into a basement. For example, frozen water tin crusade swell in concrete foundation walls, and hot summertime temperatures tin pb to dangerous mold spores.

Window wells aren't the only tool you have to help keep your basement dry out. Nonetheless, they are oftentimes required past local building codes for basements that contain living space. If window wells don't get adequately maintained, they can cause damage to basements. Window wells can cause more damage to a basement than skilful if they are not properly maintained. Here are some tips for how to waterproof and maintain them. Let's get to the nuts earlier we hash out how to seal them.

What is an Egress Window?
Egress is a way out or a path to get at that place. These windows achieve precisely that. Egress windows are located in the basement and provide an exit for emergency situations such as a fire. These windows are large enough to let y'all safely escape your home. An egress also allows natural lite to overflowing your basement and dark rooms providing a more comfortable living space. Egress tin add value to your home, whether y'all are finishing a basement or remodeling it.

Types of Egress Windows
In that location are many options for egress to conform your dwelling house'due south remodeling and new basement needs. Any of these types can exist used, provided it meets local codes.

Double-hung windows – These windows take two drinking glass panes, and the bottom one-half opens upward. Double-hung windows can exist opened from the elevation or bottom in some cases.
Sliding windows – These are sliding windows that open from the side, rather than up and downward. They look a lot similar a sliding door.
Casement windows – This style tin be opened in or out. You tin think of them as a hinged door. They can be opened with a handle or a rotating knob. They are smaller than the standard size, but they can notwithstanding be opened ajar.

Benefits of Egress
An egress window for the basement is essential to your safe. This window system allows for a quick exit and allows water to drain from a well located on the outside. Egress windows can be added to living areas, increasing the firm'south value and way. An egress window organization is of import if you plan to make your basement a bedroom or entertainment space.

Standard codes for egress windows
Many residential codes require that homes take at least one exit installation in their initial blueprint and construction. This should be considered when you lot build your home. In addition, each country, county, or municipality has its own requirements for egress placement.

Other requirements include:

All egress windows must office from the inside.
Windows should accept clear space around them.
Windows shouldn't have whatsoever requirements such equally keys or tools for opening them.

How to waterproof your egress windows

Your egress, like whatsoever other installation in your home, tin can get damaged or autumn apart, which could compromise dryness. So cheque your windows now and again to make sure they are waterproof. These are some options you could consider.

To stop water from inbound your basement through the window, y'all must outset caulk it. Finish the job by using a putty blade to remove any caulk from the frame. To remove dirt and grit from the edges, use a moist cloth.

Apply silicone-latex caulk to your window seams using a caulking gun at a 45-caste angle. When you attain the corner, release the caulk and smooth the caulk. Finally, wipe off excess caulk using a material.

Finally, take out any leaky windows and install new seals. Before installing the window, you may need to supercede or repair the window frame that is damaged or rotted.

Window well waterproofing and drainage

Covers can be installed over egress windows wells. The translucent, curved piece of durable plastic keeps leaves, debris, and h2o out of your basement. This secure slice allows for more natural calorie-free to enter the basement. It is a good thought to have gravel at the base of your well. This volition help continue water out of your basement.

Proper drainage is essential for a window well. Otherwise, water could pool and leak into your basement through your window or foundation wall. Information technology is important to decide if an interior or exterior approach is best for your habitation when planning window well drainage.

Drains for outside window wells are placed beneath the gravel base of operations. These drains run parallel to the foundation wall and connect to the drainage organisation around your home (sometimes called "drain tiles").

The interior window well drains work by redirecting water to your basement's internal sump pump organization rather than your home's perimeter drain. The interior window well drain of homes that do non have a sump pumps organization can be continued to your basement'south main drain.

Ensuring Proper Foundation Grading

The soil effectually your home can either exist an asset or a liability, depending on how it's graded. The slope of your soil around your foundation is called "Grading." Water will puddle around your home if the soil is not graded towards your foundation wall or window wells.

It is possible to complete the soil grading in a day. One rule of thumb for grading soil effectually your foundation walls is to permit one inch of ascension per foot.

A soil with high dirt content is more resistant to water than your typical topsoil. Regularly inspect your soil grading as Mother Nature tin cause it to shift and flatten over fourth dimension.

Supervene upon the Gravel

The gravel layer at the lesser of the window well filters out dirt and other debris as water flows to the drainage system. However, over fourth dimension, this droppings tin build upward and decrease the effectiveness of the filtration system. Replacing the gravel in your window tin be an inexpensive and efficient first step if water is accumulating.

You tin ensure that your basement is dry by providing proper drainage and grading the soil away from the foundation. In addition, you lot should inspect your window wells regularly to ensure there are no leakages.

The SANI-TRED system can be used to permanently waterproof your basement providing a dry healthy living space for your family.