What’s the Purpose of Window Wells?
Many homes in our area have window wells. In some jurisdictions, they are required by building code in homes with habitable basements. But how much thought have you given to what they actually do? It’s surprising just how many homeowners—even those who own them themselves—don’t understand the purpose of window wells. That’s what we’d like to explain today.
If you have a basement, there’s a good chance you have window wells. But do you know what they do?
Sunlight
Let’s get the most obvious purpose of window wells out of the way first. Basements tend to be dreary spaces, but one of the best ways to get them feeling livelier is with the addition of natural light.
But if your basement is completely below grade, a window on its own won’t do any good. You need to have window wells to let in some light.
Emergency Escape
Earlier, we mentioned that many jurisdictions require homes with habitable basements to include window wells. Obviously, this has nothing to do with natural light. Instead, it’s a safety measure.
Suppose a fire or other disaster were to trap you or a family member in the basement. If it weren’t for the presence of window wells, you probably wouldn’t have any other means of escape. This is one reason that’s it’s crucial to keep your window wells free of debris.
Prevent Water Damage
One of the most practical applications of window wells is that they are actually a component of your basement waterproofing system.
We’ve already covered the importance of having windows in your basement. You might not realize this, but windows are actually at risk of taking on water damage. When they’re above ground, this doesn’t pose much of a threat. But the naturally moist environment underground can cause your windows to rust or to rot. Window wells help to prevent this.
But window wells do more than just protect your basement windows. They even protect the structure of your home. Similar to downspout extensions but on a much smaller scale, they allow for the flow of water to occur away from your home’s foundation.
You have to maintain window wells for them to fulfill this purpose. If your window wells have seen better days, you can count on us to unclog them or to ensure that they are directing water away from your home as they should.
Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for Your Waterproofing Needs
Whether you need a new sump pump installed or want to waterproof your entire basement, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.