Category Archives: Blog

3 Signs You Need To Replace Your Window Wells

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Although certain parts of your home add a lot of value, there may be a time where you will have to replace your window wells.

Between providing additional natural light, an alternate emergency exit, and a way to redirect water away from basement windows, window wells are an integral part of the function and beauty of your basement. However, when window wells stop functioning how they ought to, replacing them might be necessary.

Learn how to tell if you need to replace your wells below.

How to Tell You Need to Replace Your Window Wells

Leaking Windows — Any sign of a leak, big or small, in a basement window with a well is not good news. Inspect the window for other signs of leakage, such as condensation, mold, or cracks. Finding additional signs can help you pinpoint where the problem actually lies. Whether it is an issue with your drainage system or the well itself, the problem needs to be addressed right away. Failing to fix the issue can lead to further, more expensive damage. If your weather report has no rain in its forecast, use your garden hose to test your drainage system. Depending on the root of the problem, a replacement well may be necessary.

Loose Window Wells — Over time, window wells can loosen up and move away from your home’s foundation. This can occur for many reasons, including failure to properly attach the well to your basement walls, extreme weather conditions, or lack of regular care. A loose well can allow dirt and other debris to be pushed into your drainage system and cause basement windows to leak. Now, suddenly you have two big problems! A loose well will need to be replaced with a new one, as well as a new layer of gravel at the bottom.

Aged Window Wells — Unfortunately, things cannot last forever. Not exempt from this list is window wells. The materials that makeup window wells begin to break down and can become brittle as they age. Over time, you will see that your old window well is not able to perform the basic functions it once could. If you live in an older home with older wells, it is essential to include a bi-annual inspection of your home to make sure they are functioning as they should. Check for rust, cracks, breaks, and bumps—these are all indicators that your window well will soon need replacing.


How to Avoid Replacing Window Wells

The best way to avoid replacing your window wells is to ensure you properly care for them, inspect them regularly, and promptly make any necessary repairs. Learn more about cleaning and caring for your window wells here.

Contact Windowell Expressions

Homeowners need to inspect their window wells for signs of damage periodically. If you find that your wells leak, are loose, or are otherwise damaged, it is important to replace them as soon as possible. The experts at Windowell Expressions can replace your window well quickly with a new, updated, and durable window well. If you live in Salt Lake County or the surrounding area, contact our skilled professionals to get your custom quote today.

Why Foundation Liners Are a Good Idea

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Owning a home is a considerable investment. Because of this, most homeowners work exceptionally hard to keep their house safe, protected, and well-maintained. The foundation of your home is arguably the most important part of your house, therefore the most important part to protect and maintain. Surely, your home’s construction team did their best to construct the foundation correctly and up to the highest standards and building codes. Now it is up to you to maintain. Enter: Foundation liners.

Continue reading to learn why foundation liners are a good idea.

Why Are Foundation Liners a Good Idea?

As previously mentioned, your home’s most important part is your foundation because your entire house rests on top of it. Over time, foundations can become damaged due to settling, erosion, or the home’s age. These repairs can cost homeowners thousands of dollars. Home Advisor reports that minor repairs, such as small cracks and water damage, can cost as low $500 and major repairs, those that involve hydraulic piers, can cost more than $10,000. 

Any additional protection you can add to your foundation is a good investment and money well spent. Foundation liners are a good idea for many reasons and come with several benefits. Here’s what a foundation liner can do for your home:

Added Protection — The number one reason homeowners choose to put a foundation liner on their house is for additional protection. Foundation liners offer an extra layer of protection and insulation against water damage, animals and pests, and anything else that can cause damage, helping your home be more resistant and repellent to harm. Newer homes and older homes alike can significantly benefit from foundation liners because they prevent damage from occurring near the base of the house.

Increase Home’s Curb Appeal — Because foundation liners come in a variety of materials, colors, and styles, you can have them look just about any way you want them. Options include stone, wood, faux elements, and more. Selecting one that will match your home’s aesthetic will set your house apart from the others on the block, by seamlessly blending in or adding a contrasting look. 

Moreover, a foundation liner can increase your home’s valuation, helping you sell it for an added profit! Additional protection and excellent curb appeal increase your home’s value, putting more money in your pocket (should you choose to sell your house).

Extra Support — Foundation liners can provide additional support to your house. Homeowners considering a home renovation or remodel should also consider a foundation liner for their house. They offer your home additional support and reinforcement when your home is experiencing strain and work.

Contact Windowell Expressions

If you want to further protect your investment, increase your home’s curb appeal and value, and reinforce and boost your house’s structural support, you need a foundation liner from Windowell Expressions. Our skilled and knowledgable professionals want to help you find in-budget and upgrading solutions for your home. Find out more about what a foundation liner can do for your house by calling Windowell Expressions today.

Basement Window Wells: Reasons for Having Them

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There are many reasons why your basement should have window wells. While window wells are not a total necessity, they come with many benefits and play an essential part in the function, security, and safety of your home and loved ones. 

Continue scrolling to learn more about the reasons to have basement window wells.

Basement Window Wells Help Save Lives

Building codes all across the nation require an additional escape route in basement bedrooms in case of an emergency. While not all rooms in basements are meant to be bedrooms, it’s not bad to have egress windows throughout your basement. To make an emergency exit quick and easy, you’ll need a ladder attached to your well. If you prefer covers on your wells, there are options available with quick-release locking features that easily open and allow for a quick escape.

Basement Window Wells Let in the Light

Basements are notoriously known for feeling and looking like a cave. However, basements with window wells are much lighter and brighter because of the larger windows wells can accommodate. Basement windows offer a considerable amount of natural light by providing a clear path for sunlight to pour into your home. Even with a window well cover or grate, plenty of natural light can flood into your basement.

You can make your basement feel even brighter with a light-colored window well liner. Many of the liner options will complement your design and aesthetic. These long-lasting liners are an extension of your style and reflect light, making your basement feel as light as the rest of your home.

Basement Window Wells Lower Utility Bills

On top of making your basement feel lighter, the sun rays that the basement window well let in significantly lower your monthly utility bills. These rays offer light and warmth to an otherwise dark and typically cold space, lowering both your electricity and gas bill. Win-win!

Covered Basement Window Wells Protect Your Home

A covered basement window well helps protect your loved ones from accidents. Too often, a child is playing outside, or an adult loses their footing, ending up in the bottom of a window well. A cover on your wells will prevent these types of injuries. Additionally, covering your wells can increase your home’s security against unwanted trespassers and intruders. Someone trying to break into your home won’t want to fuss with window well covers and move on.

Another way covers can preserve your home is the protection they offer against the harsh elements. Window wells full of snow or flooded with rain can lead to leaky windows and cause costly water damage. Window well covers will help keep your home dry! Lastly, covered window wells deter unwelcome vermin, such as snakes, rodents, frogs, insects, and spiders. Wells free of leaves, weeds, garbage, and other debris will not attract critters.

Contact Windowell Expressions

Homeowners and contractors across the Wasatch Front trust the experts at Windowell Expressions for their basement window well and cover needs. Whatever your reasoning for using window wells in your home, we are here to help and fulfill those needs. Let Windowell Expressions hide your ugly with window wells, covers, liners, and more. Contact us today!

Why is My Window Well Leaking?

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When proper drainage isn’t possible, water can quickly and easily find its way into your basement and other areas of your home. Leaking window wells can cause several issues, which can lead to even more serious problems. To avoid issues like mold and mildew or damage to the walls and foundation of your home that will leave you spending thousands of dollars in repairs, it is important first to figure out the cause and source of your leak.

Find out more below about why your window wells could be leaking.

Reasons Why Window Wells Leak

If you find a leak in your home, you must find the source and cause for your leak as soon as possible.

Unsatisfactory Grading — If the ground surrounding your home does not slope away from your foundation, you can almost always count on leaks in your future. Whichever way your yard slopes, the water will follow. If it’s toward your house, rain, snowmelt, or sprinkle water will find its way into your wells.

Clogged Drain — Over time, and without regular upkeep, uncovered window wells can collect leaves, dirt, garbage, and other debris that can compromise proper drainage. Moreover, critters, insects, and other small animals, such as rodents or birds, love to make window wells their home. Because there isn’t much traffic or disturbance, it’s a perfect place to build clog-causes nests.

Old Windows — While windows, in general, are not designed to be waterproof (even new windows can leak), old, rusty, or rotted windows have an especially hard time keeping water out.

How to Stop the Leaks

Once you have determined the source of the leak, it’s imperative to address it as soon as possible. The sooner you handle the issue, the less it will cost to repair.

Grade Your Yard — To avoid major issues that can affect your foundation and window wells, make sure your yard is graded correctly. Make sure your home is located on the highest point on your property, with the surrounding ground sloping away from the base of your home. The downhill slope will direct water away from your home to avoid collecting water near its base.

Clean Wells Regularly — Regular maintenance is essential for functioning window wells. Make sure to clear away leaves, twigs, weeds, nests, webs, and anything else that is out of place. Keeping your wells clean will help eliminate clogs that can lead to leaks. Learn more about how to clean your window wells here.

Cover Wells — To help keep debris, snow, rain, and other water out of your window wells, consider placing covers or grates on them. Additional benefits include increasing your home’s security and keeping your children and animals safe from falls.

Contact Windowell Expressions

Protect your beloved investment, your home, with functioning window wells from Windowell Expressions. We provide the highest quality products that your home needs, like window wells, covers, and liners that come in a wide range of styles and designs. Hide the ugly on your home by contacting Windowell Expressions today.

What to Do When Your Foundation is Damaged

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A home or other structure is only as strong as its foundation. The foundation one of the most crucial parts of a building and is responsible for supporting the building above it, keeping it upright, and blocking water and other moisture. Old or poorly constructed foundations can cause serious issues and be a safety threat to occupants and neighboring structures and individuals. Your foundation needs attention the moment it becomes damaged.

Continue scrolling to learn what to do if your foundation becomes damaged.

Signs Your Foundation is Damaged

Take a look at seven common signs of foundation damage below:

  • Exterior Cracks in Foundation Walls and Floors — Keep your eye out for large, zig-zag cracks in your exterior foundation walls and floors. Bricks that have cracked or are separated from the mortar should also be examined.
  • Walls Separating from House — If you notice your exterior walls are pulling away from your house, there could be a problem and should be addressed before they collapse.
  • Interior Cracks in Drywall — There is likely a foundation issue when interior drywall cracks are floor to ceiling. Additionally, if the vast majority of nails pop out of your drywall, there could be an issue.
  • Sloping and Uneven Floors — Floors that are sloping, sagging, bowing, or are not level can indicate a serious foundation problem and pose a safety hazard.
  • Door and Window Frames Pulling Away from Brick — If your door frames or window frames are separating from your exterior brick, there is likely foundation trouble.
  • Settling and Sinking — Some settling is normal and to be expected. However, if your home seems to be settling more than anticipated or is sinking, there could be serious foundational issues.
  • Displaced Molding — Crown moldings or baseboards that are no longer square could indicate troubles with your foundation.

What to Do When Your Foundation is Damaged

When it comes to your foundation, the sooner you take action, the better:

  • Call a Contractor — If you are concerned that your foundation may be damaged, it is always good to have an experienced foundation professional come check out the problem. They will inspect your concrete slab, basement, or pier and beam foundation. A knowledgeable maintenance specialist should be able to identify the issue and repair it, stopping further deterioration.
  • Install Added Protection — Because foundation repairs are costly, it is important to take additional protective precautions to shield your investment by getting a foundation liner. Before your foundation damage becomes an issue for your home, consider a proactive approach. Foundation liners offer an additional layer of protection against the elements, routine wear and tear, and water damage.

Contact Windowell Expressions

Protect your home’s foundation with a foundation liner from Windowell Expressions. If your home is located in Utah, your house has to stand up against heavy snow and rainfalls, sleet buildup, quick thaws, and even faster freezes, causing extensive damage to your home’s foundation. A foundation liner will help protect against these elements, all while looking great. Contact the experts at Windowell Expressions today.

Transform Your Window Wells Into Gardens

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If you live in a basement apartment or don’t have much outdoor space, take advantage of the space inside of your window wells. Depending on the square footage you have outside, the area inside your window wells may be valuable. You probably don’t have the space to plant rows of corn or large trees or bushes; you probably have space for a few smaller planter pots of your favorite herbs, flowers, and other plants.

Continue reading to learn more about transforming your window wells into beautiful gardens below.

Sunlight

The amount of sunlight your window well gets each day will determine the type of flowers and plants you will be able to grow successfully. Depending on the location of your wells, they may get some sun throughout the day and shade the rest of the day. If this sounds like your wells, here are some partial-shade plants that could work in your windows:

  • Herbs, like basil, thyme, dill, cilantro, mint, chives, and parsley, prefer a couple of hours of morning light and shade the rest of the day.
  • Leopard Plant — A striking shade perennial that, depending on the species, has spiky or daisy-like flowers.
  • Green and Gold — True to its name, this ground cover boasts delicate canary yellow flowers during the early spring with quilted green leaves.

If your window wells are in the shade all day long, you’re still in luck! Your shady wells can still be colorful spaces, just as long as you plant shade-loving plants that will thrive without direct sunlight. Here’s a list of full-shade plants to consider:

  • Yellow Bleeding Heart — Enjoy months of yellow flowers and bluish-green foliage.
  • Indian Pinks — Attract hummingbirds with these red flowers with yellow centers.
  • Dwarf Chinese Astilbe — These purple and pink spiky flowers will keep you smiling all spring and summer long.
  • Hardy Begonias — Enjoy the delicate flowers of begonias but in a strong, hardy version.

Other Helpful Tips

Here are a few other tips and tricks for gardening in your window well:

  • During winter months, add a clear window well cover to create a greenhouse for a year-round garden.
  • If winter is too daunting, place your flowers and plants in pots that you can bring inside.
  • Ensure your plants have proper drainage to avoid root rot, and since window wells already have drains installed, it’s the perfect place.
  • If you lack a green thumb (don’t feel bad—many people do!), all is not lost. You can still enjoy some greenery without the real deal. Instead, pot some decent looking faux flora in your window wells and relish the look without the work.

Keep Safety in Mind

It’s important to remember that egress windows are meant to supply an additional way out in an emergency and required by code. Keep a clear path and emergency ladder in place in case you need a quick way out.

Contact Windowell Expressions

If you want to beautify your window wells, even more, contact the window well experts at Windowell Expressions. We supply homeowners in the Salt Lake City area with beautiful solutions to ugly window wells like well liners, covers, and foundation liners. Give your window wells the makeover they deserve with Windowell Expressions.

How To Secure Your Basement Windows From Break-Ins

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Your house is home to your most valuable items. There, you keep your family, your heirlooms, cars, electronics, and much more. Protecting these precious things from danger or theft is important, and many people’s number one priority. While basements are a convenient part of your home, they also tend to invite intruders. Securing your basement windows will keep you, your loved ones, and your valuables safe.

Continue reading to learn how you can secure your basement windows and protect your home, family members, and beloved belongings.

Keep Wells Visible

Window wells that are easily visible and not hidden by landscaping are less likely to be targeted by intruders. Avoid planting large bushes and other flora around your wells to keep them exposed. Instead, keep the landscaping around your window wells simple and small. If your home does have bushes near basement windows, keep them well-trimmed and maintained.

Utilize a Security System

Keep the vulnerable places of your home, such as basement windows, safe with a home monitoring system. Cameras, motion sensors, and window alarms work well to deter unwanted visitors. If the sight of these items doesn’t scare the thief away, the sound of the alarm likely will. Additionally, place a sticker or sign with your security company’s logo and information on windows and doors to inform intruders of your home’s system.

Put Away Your Valuables

A thief considers valuables in plain sight their unofficial invitation to break into your home. Put your essential belongings and expensive items away or use window coverings like curtains or blinds to block them from view. Of course, hiding your TV and sound system isn’t so easy, but make you put away your family’s laptops, watches and jewelry, and cash and wallets.

Outdoor Lighting

Make sure the outside of your house is well lit. Having floodlights installed in otherwise dark areas is an effective deterrent as most burglars prefer to work in the dark, and will target homes that are not well lit. If you do not wish to have a light on all the time, consider a motion-detecting light that switches on automatically when it senses movement. Motion sensor lights will not only scare off an unwanted visitor, but they will also alert you to suspicious activity outside. 

Install Window Well Covers

Window well covers are not typically thought of to help increase security because of all the other benefits window well covers offer. While most covers may not prevent burglars from breaking in, they do act as a deterrent and will slow down the burglar and may make them think twice before breaking in. For additional protection, you can install a window well cover lock to increase your home’s security.

Contact Windowell Expressions

Protect your home, loved ones, and belongings with window well covers from Windowell Expressions. Our well covers are made from quality materials that are strong, long-lasting, and look great! Whether you need standard or custom-sized covers, we have exactly what you need. Contact the window well cover experts at Windowell Expressions today to schedule your complimentary in-home consultation.

What To Do About Leaking Window Wells

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A leaky window well can cause many issues for a homeowner. It can damage your home’s foundation, your basement, your belongings, and even the window. Not only is this incredibly frustrating and disheartening, but it can also cost you thousands and thousands of dollars in repairs. 

So, what should you do about leaky window wells? Keep reading to find out.

Remove Standing Water

If water has entered your basement, your first step should be removing the water. You can use a wet/dry shop vacuum to help. However, if the water level is considerably high, you may want to hire a flood remediation specialist to handle the job. Their heavy-duty, professional equipment will get the job done fast before you have to worry about mold setting in.

Drain the Flooded Window Well

Now that the standing water is removed from the interior of your home, you can begin thinking about the exterior of your home. Remove the water in your window well by unblocking the drain. If the water is too deep, you may need to use a bucket to help bail the water from your well. Once you can reach the drain, you can remove the mud and gravel that is blocking it and begin your investigation.

Find the Leak

In addition to sludge build-up, your drain may be clogged with leaves, sticks, or other debris that may have caused the flood — find out what exactly is stopping your well from draining. Make sure your drain is installed correctly and that the drainpipe is working correctly. 

Avoid Future Leaks

To avoid future problems, make sure each of your window wells — even the ones that aren’t currently leaking — have functioning drains, are cleaned regularly, and have a cover.

Well Covers — The best way to keep your window wells clear of debris is to cover them. Covers will prevent leaves, sticks, dirt, critters and insects, and garbage from gathering in your wells. All of these things can easily block your drain and prevent proper drainage. Covers also increase your home’s aesthetic and add another level of security.

Functioning Drains— A properly installed window well will be equipped with a drain and drain pipe at the base of the well. The drainpipe will direct water away from the foundation of your home. It typically connects to a gutter drain or is led down a landscaped slope. Your well’s drain could even be connected to a sump pump in your basement that would allow for proper drainage.

Clean Window Wells Often — When your window well is full of leaves, trash, webs or nests, and other debris, it can be hard for your well to drain efficiently. Take some time every few months to clear out your well and check the drain for clogs or potential build-ups. Additionally, verify your covers are fitting tightly and are not damaged.

Contact Windowell Expressions

Windowell Expressions is your one-stop-shop for your window wells. We manufacture window well liners, grates, and clear covers. Whether you need custom covers or standard ones, we have what you need. Contact Windowell Expressions today.

What is a Bubble Window Well Cover?

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There are many effective ways to cover your window wells. A common favorite among homeowners is a bubble cover. Bubble covers bring many benefits to the table, all while looking great and complementing your home’s style, design, and architecture. 

Continue reading to learn more about bubble covers and why so many people choose to add them to their homes.

What is a Bubble Window Well Cover?

A bubble window well cover is a half-dome shaped piece of material built to fit over an egress window and the surrounding well. Bubble window well covers are made of super-strong plastic. Bubble covers are incredibly durable and are virtually maintenance-free. They are popular among homeowners because they come in standard sizes or can be custom-made to fit your home’s unique requirements.

Pros of Bubble Window Well Covers

Window well covers offer many benefits to your home, bubble covers included. Here are some advantages to bubble covers:

  • Security — A correctly installed bubble cover can help deter intruders from entering your home. Bubble covers are made of sturdy, hard-to-break plastic and lock from the inside.
  • Eliminate Water — Bubble covers keep rain, snow, and other wet weather from entering your window well. They help protect your home’s foundation by shedding water away from the base of your home.
  • Safety — An open window well is a hazard. Bubble covers help protect your family, visitors, and animals from falling into a window well.
  • Save Energy — Bubble covers are transparent and allow a lot of natural light through your basement windows, which will help cut down monthly utility bills.
  • Deters Dirt and Animals — Bubble covers are great for keeping dirt and other debris from your window wells, as well as rodents, insects, and other critters.

Maintaining Your Bubble Window Well Covers

Bubble covers are built to handle it all. However, to ensure you get the most of your covers, you’ll want to make sure you treat them right. Here are a few tips:

  • Do Not Sit, Stand, or Step on Covers — Bubble covers are durable, but depending on how much you weigh, they’re not that strong. 
  • Do Not Cut or Drill — The plastic could crack when cut or drilled, causing covers to stop working correctly.
  • Remove When Doing Home Maintenance — Brick or siding installers, painters, roofers, and other people working on your home may not treat your covers as they need to be. Consider removing the covers when workers come to your home or inform workers on how to manage them.
  • Clean Periodically — Thankfully, cleaning bubble covers is quick and easy. Use your hose to wet it down and, with mild dish soap and soft towel or bare hand, wash your cover. Do not use window cleaner or an abrasive detergent.

Contact Windowell Expressions

Windowell covers are a great addition to your home and come in a variety of styles, shapes, and materials. Windowell Expressions is your one-stop-shop for all things window wells. We offer well liners, covers and grates, and replacements. Call Windowell Expressions today to schedule your complimentary in-home consultation.

   

How Do You Keep Water Out of Window Wells?

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Basement windows are ideal for many reasons. They let natural light into an otherwise dark area. They allow an alternate escape route in case of an emergency, and, if done right, they can add to the look of your home (see our stylish window liners here). However, basement windows, if done wrong, can cause a handful of issues. The biggest of which is damage from a leak or flood. Keeping your window wells free of water will help protect your home and your wallet.

Learn how to keep water out of your window wells by reading on.

Proper Grading

The ground must slope away from the foundation of your home and its window wells. This allows for proper drainage and ensures that water flows away from your house. Proper grading protects against issues like damage to your foundation and window wells filling with water. If there is not enough of an outward slope surrounding your home, you will need to have your yard regraded. 

Effective Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are responsible for carrying water from rain and melted snow away from the foundation of your home. If they are not doing their job, you may run into issues such as water in your wells. Make sure your downspouts end away from the base of your home and not right at the foundation.

Drains in Window Wells

Make sure your window wells are equipped with drains, especially if you live in a particularly wet and rainy area. Window well drains are installed below the window and whisk away any water that poses a threat. The drain is connected to a sump pump or an underground French drain. These drains will move water away from the window well and the foundation of your home.

Clear Out Window Wells

Window wells that are full of leaves, trash, and other debris will have a hard time draining efficiently. Make sure you check your window wells often and clear them out regularly to keep any water from pooling. In addition to keeping the water out, when your window wells are clean, you’re less likely to attract critters like insects, spiders, and rodents. Learn how to clean your window wells in four easy steps here.

Window Well Covers and Grates

In addition to offering your home added protection, window well covers can keep out unwanted water from wells. Rain and snow can easily find themselves at the bottom of your window wells and can potentially cause a flood or water damage to your home. A cover or grate on your window well will protect against all of that while still allowing natural light into your basement.

Contact Windowell Expressions

Protect your window wells against pooling water with the help of Windowell Expressions. In addition to window well covers and grates, we offer well and foundation liners and replacement window wells. We even offer installation! When you choose Windowell Expressions, you choose quality work and products and professional experience. Contact the team of experts at Windowell Expressions for a free estimate today.