The humble window well is often overlooked when considering core home infrastructure, but it’s one of the most important aspects. If you have a basement, it’s a crucial part of keeping the area dry, well-lit, and safe.
Like any aspect of the home, however, they need care and attention. Your window wells bear the brunt of the elements, and as such, they’re always going to be subject to wear and tear. There may come a time when you need to replace yours, and doing so can be a little complicated.
In this short article, you’ll learn about the key things you should know when it comes to replacing your window well, and how to ensure the new one lasts you a lifetime.
Signs That You Need a Replacement
It’s not always obvious when window well replacement is in order, so it’s key to know what to look out for.
The clearest signs are rust on the metal parts of the frame, as well as any separation from the wall. Another tell is standing water: when water starts to pool, it usually indicates a drainage problem that could cause major structural damage if not dealt with promptly.
You should also take care to periodically clear any debris from the area, as this can obscure damage you didn’t know was there.
While it usually takes a long time for serious damage to occur, it often does so unnoticed, so regularly inspecting your well is critical.
How the New Window Well Will Be Installed
Installing a new window well involves digging out the existing one, preparing the soil, and securing the new one tightly to the wall, after which some remedial plaster work may be done.
All edges will then be properly caulked to prevent water damage (this may need to be redone in the future), and safety grates will be added to prevent any accidents.
Ensuring Proper Drainage
Before deciding on materials, you’ll always want to ensure the window well you’re having installed will feature proper drainage.
This is something you’ll need to discuss with the installers, but every design should feature a functioning drain pipe that’s connected to your home’s main system. This is essential to prevent water damage.
Choosing the Right Material
There are many different types of materials to choose from when considering a new window well.
Galvanized steel is a firm favorite for being both sturdy and affordable, and strong plastic, like polyethylene, has become popular for the same reason. There’s also stone or concrete if you need maximum durability, and fiberglass is highly resistant to the elements.
Which is the right choice for you will come down to where you’re based and what sort of property you live in.
Wrapping Up
You should now have a good idea of what goes into a proper window well replacement, as well as how to prevent disasters from occurring in the future. Think things through clearly, don’t rush into anything, have a long chat with your contractors, and you’ll have yourself a setup that lasts.