How to Prevent Your Basement Windows from Leaking Water
Your home may be your castle, but it’s far from an impregnable fortress. Still, you can do a lot to protect your structure from the ingress of the elements. When it comes to your windows, you want to make sure they’re in ship shape and tightly sealed to stave off leaks during heavy rains.
When water seeps into your basement around windows, a lot of damage can be done. In addition to the immediate cleanup and drying required, you may have to replace drywall, flooring and subflooring, and other items that become waterlogged. There could be long-term issues to contend with, as well, if rot or mold sets in.
Whether your windows are old or new, there’s a lot you can do to prevent leaks and the damage and expense they inevitably cause. Here are a few ways to prevent your basement windows from leaking water.
Caulking
If you’re worried about water seeping in around the edges of window frames or panes of glass, sealing these points of ingress is a quick, easy, and inexpensive solution. You can pick up caulking materials at your local hardware store for just a few bucks and get to work sealing leaky windows.
Of course, this won’t work while water is leaking in. Caulk generally needs about 24-48 hours to dry completely, so make sure to get the job done well in advance of inclement weather if you want to ensure protection from leaks.
Replacement
Are your windows are old or in pretty bad shape. The quick fix provided by caulk might not be enough to protect against storm activity. If windows are beyond repair or you’re tired of wasting money on fixes that don’t work for long, it might be time to consider Renewal by Andersen window replacement.
You not only have the opportunity to install new windows that offer greater immunity from leaks, but you could also upgrade to more energy-efficient models, like double-paned options or insulated vinyl frames, for example, that will improve temperature regulation, increase interior comfort, and reduce utility bills. In addition, new windows can bump up your home value, showing a return on investment when you decide to sell your property.
Window Wells
Basement windows are notorious for leaks, especially when water seeps into soil that has contact with windows and surrounding foundation. One good way to prevent this occurrence is to separate your structure from the soil, at least near the windows, and this means installing window wells.
When you dig a well around each basement window, install a steel insert to hold back the earth, and add gravel to reduce pooling, you’ll not only keep water away from your basement windows, but you’ll also have the opportunity to install larger windows if you want, improving the view and interior lighting.
Grading
Keeping your windows in good shape is a great way to prevent leaks, but funneling water away from them is also wise. If you notice water pooling around the base of your structure even though your gutters and downspouts are well-maintained, there’s a chance your yard is improperly graded, and this can be detrimental to the foundations of your home. If this is the case, you’ll want to find out about re-grading your property to protect your structure and prevent leaks.
