Table of Contents
Basement Waterproofing Tips 1) Check your gutters. 2) Install window well covers. 3) Ensure proper draining of your window wells. 4) Check the seams of your basement windows. 5) Apply a concrete sealer. 6) Install a drainage membrane. 7) Bring in the sump pump.
How do I stop water from coming in my window well?
CUSTOM WINDOW WELL COVERS The easiest way to keep your window well drain unclogged is by installing a quality window well cover. It will prevent excessive water, debris and even small animals from getting into your window well and causing problems.
What do you use to seal basement windows?
A special silicone latex-based caulk specifically made to withstand inclement weather is the proper caulk to use when sealing a basement window. Multiple colors of the caulk are available to match the color of the casement window casing. The process is simple and takes approximately 10 minutes per window.
Should I put rocks in my window well?
There isn’t really a minimum level of rocks in your window well, but the levels should be appropriate given the depth of it (and going deep is always better). However, the window well should definitely not be overfilled. This increases the risk of flooding and windows breakage.
Should window wells be sealed?
Over time, the gravel in your window wells can become clogged with dirt, sand and debris. Eventually, the clog will prevent most or all of the water inside to become trapped. Inevitably, your window’s seal will allow a small amount of water inside, growing more severe every time it rains.
Can I use flex seal in my basement?
Apply Flex Seal Liquid. Flex Seal Liquid is thicker than paint and dries into a strong, rubberized coating. It can also help seal out air, water, and moisture and is chemical and mildew resistant – making it a great choice for your basement walls.
How do I winterize my basement windows?
The best way to winterize your windows is to add a sealed layer of plastic or glass over the window. And the cheapest, easiest way to do this is by installing an interior window insulation kit. Keep out those winter winds by sealing up your drafty windows.
Should window wells have dirt in them?
You should regularly check window wells for debris and clean them out accordingly. Materials such as leaves, dirt, and other scraps from the outside can infest window wells. When these objects enter a window well, they have the potential to dirty the gravel and clog up the drain.
What is the best rock for window wells?
Use pea gravel or ¾ inch or smaller free-draining rock, around the well stopping approximately 1 foot down from the top of the window well. Backfilling by hand, start at the farthest area from the foundation, evenly distributing the stone as you fill.
Do basement windows need window wells?
Quick answer: If you have a basement window that is fully or partially below grade, you will need a window well to prevent leaking and help bring in light. If the basement window is in a habitable room, then you will need a window well and window that conforms to IRC Building Code emergency egress requirements.
Do window wells need to be attached to foundation?
Window wells attach to your home’s foundation around ground-level windows to prevent water and soil from getting inside. When you want to install a window well, start by digging holes around the window for the well and a drain so it doesn’t fill with water.
Can I waterproof my basement myself?
DO apply a masonry waterproofing product to bare interior basement walls. If your foil test showed that water is soaking through your basement walls and leaving them wet, seal the interior of the walls with a high-quality waterproof paint, such as DRYLOK White Extreme Waterproofer (available from Home Depot).
How do I stop my basement from seeping water?
Here are eight strategies to keep water out of your basement. Add Gutter Extensions. Plug Gaps. Restore the Crown. Reshape the Landscape. Repair Footing Drains. Install a Curtain Drain. Pump the Water. Waterproof the Walls.
Is it better to waterproof basement from inside or outside?
Investing in a good interior waterproofing system can greatly reduce the risk of a flood in your basement. Exterior waterproofing can be expensive, but it keeps water away from your foundation and from getting inside your home or into your basement.
Do basement window wells have drains?
“Typically window wells have a drain that is connected to the foundation drainage system or drains to daylight somewhere in the yard,” Dennison said. “Over time that drain could become clogged and could possibly need to be cleaned out.”Sep 25, 2020.
How often should you clean window wells?
Try to clean them out once per quarter. Vacuum. If there’s still buildup after you’ve cleaned out your window wells by hand, rent or borrow a shop vacuum (if you don’t already have one) and clean out what’s left. Make sure it’s draining properly.
What do you do with basement window wells?
No matter the reason, there are still some things you can do to spice up the views from inside your basement window. 1 Hang Plants. Hanging plants from your existing egress window well can go a long way towards increasing your view. 2 Decorate. 3 Plant Flowers.
Can I fill my window well with concrete?
A large window well filled only with concrete is going to weigh a ton. That could potentially put unwanted pressure on the foundation.
