The Importance of Proper Window Well Installation in Your Home
Window wells are some of the most essential components for basement homes as they provide a barrier that prevents water and soil from pressing right against basement windows. If window wells aren't properly installed in basements, weather-related damages can occur.
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However, if window wells in basement homes are properly installed, they'll help protect against water damage, improve the safety of your basement, and allow for ventilation and natural light. Not to mention the fact it will look a whole lot better too.
Installing window wells properly is all about long-term functionality, especially when it comes to reducing the risk of flooding and related maintenance and repair costs. Learn everything you need to know before reaching out to window well replacement Fort Collins services for your needs.
The Role of Window Wells in Protecting Your Basement
There are two main purposes that window wells in basements serve: preventing water damage and promoting both ventilation and natural light:
Preventing Water Damage
First, if window wells in basements are not properly installed, it may allow water to accumulate around the windows. This increases the risks of leaks and your basement flooding. However, if a window well is properly installed, it should direct water away from both the foundation and the window. This helps keep your basement dry.
Promoting Ventilation and Natural Light
The other big benefit of properly installed window wells is that they help improve your basement living space by providing more ventilation and natural light. Basements can often be very dark and damp as they generally don't have much light or air circulation.
However, with the right window cells, you can allow more than enough fresh air to get into the basement, therefore improving overall air quality. By having the right window wells, as well, you can let more light into your basement, therefore illuminating the space and making it more inviting.
The Key Factors in Successful Window Well Installation
Considering that window well replacement can cost $3,000 on the high end, you want it to be done right. When installing new window wells, there are three main considerations to keep in mind: correct sizing and positioning, drainage systems, and material choices. Each of these play an important role:
- Correct Sizing and Positioning
One of the most important factors in installation is the size of the window well. It needs to match the size of the window. The window well needs to have more than enough space for emergency egress as well as for drainage purposes.
If the window well isn't large enough it will restrict access, and it will cause water to pool.
However, if the window well is too large, it's just going to be too expensive. The position of the window well is also important, as it must be installed at the proper distance and depth to ensure ideal drainage.
- Efficiency Drainage Systems
Speaking of drainage, this is another important factor to consider. Good window wells that are properly installed also come with drainage solutions, such as weeping tiles, drains, or gravel layers, all of which are designed to direct water away from the foundation of your home.
Having gravel at the bottom of the window well helps you disperse water, stopping it from pooling around the window. You may also use weeping tiles or drains, as these help channel water away from your foundation, therefore reducing the chances of you having a flooded basement.
- Sturdy Material Choices
You'll also want to consider the materials you use, such as composite options, plastic, and metals such as steel. Each of these will have advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, if you go with something like steel wells that are extremely durable, you will also face a high cost. If you're looking for something that is more lightweight and resistant to corrosion, though, plastic is always a great way to go given its affordability.
The importance of professional installation for your window wells
You’ll want to hire professionals for window well replacement to make sure that the job is done right. There are plenty of experienced installers out there that have all of the tools and knowledge needed to avoid the mistakes that have been mentioned today. If you attempt to conduct a window well replacement or installation on your own, you run the risk of doing it incorrectly and accidentally exposing your basement windows to damage. Rather than doing this, rely on the expertise of a professional who can help you get the job done.
