Category Archives: Blog

How Do I Keep Leaves Out of My Window Well?

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Yardwork is never over. As the seasons change, as your needs and family change, and as you try new landscaping you will need to get out there and work on your lawn. Weeding, mowing, planting, fertilizing, watering, and just plain enjoying your yard is a year-round job. But is there a way to keep your yard work at a minimum? 

One annoying task in your yard is cleaning out your window wells. Keeping your window wells clean is critical not only for the cleanliness and order of your home but also for safe entry and exit of your home in the event of an emergency.

In addition, you need to keep your window wells clean to prevent damage to your home’s foundation and windows. Unfortunately, all of the other elements of your yard will find their way into your window well eventually.

How can you minimize the leaves, grass clippings, branches, trash, dirt, rocks, kids toys, and other debris getting into your window well?

1. Regularly Maintain Your Landscaping

You’re more likely to discover debris in your window well if you irregularly maintain your yard work. Allowing things to build up and become overgrown is harmful to your entire yard, and can also make the accumulation of debris in your window well a much bigger battle. Take care of weeds and growth weekly if possible, and clean out your window wells at least once per season even if it doesn’t look like there’s much debris that has fallen down there.

2. Adjust Landscaping

You can prevent leaves and foliage from getting into your window well altogether by carefully planning or adjusting your landscaping. Move brushy plants away from window wells or use landscaping retaining walls to keep the foliage from drifting. Trim and carefully stake any plants near your window wells to keep them contained.

3. Watch Edging

Regularly monitor the edges of your window wells. Through precipitation and general settling, you may find that the edges of your window well which once were a few inches above ground are now below the surface. Level out the ground around your window well and give it plenty of clearance to prevent runoff from falling into your window well.

4. Get a Window Well Cover

The easiest way to keep your window wells clean is to get a window well cover. Grated styles will still allow some debris into your window well, but a fine mesh or small weave grate will prevent most leaves and larger objects from falling into your window well. A bubble window well cover can cover the entire opening of the window well, preventing anything from entering your window well and making your job much easier.

Although it may be a hassle, cleaning out your window wells and keeping them clean will make a huge difference in the safety and security of your home, as well as preventing long term damage and future work. 

   

How To Replace a Window Well

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Having windows in a basement is a great addition to any home since it can increase the light and airflow in an otherwise dark and stale area.

Furthermore, windows in a basement can keep you safe by affording you another exit or entrance in the event of a disaster or danger.

That’s one reason it is absolutely critical to keep your window wells free and clear of debris so that an exit is possible. But what if there’s something functionally wrong with your window well? 

It can happen. Even sturdy window wells can be damaged by landscaping, construction, shifting earth, or just long spells of wear and tear. From time to time a window well will need to be replaced, especially if you live in an older home.

Today Windowell Expressions will walk you through the necessary steps to replacing your window well. 

1. Dig Space

ig up the area surrounding the window well. It can be helpful to cut your turf or sod and place it carefully all together, then to place dirt and gravel in separate buckets or wheelbarrows. You want to create plenty of space to maneuver the old window well out and to place the new window well into the slot. Always dig away more than you expect, and don’t forget that the existing window well needs to go 8-10 inches deeper than the bottom of your window frame.

2. Remove Existing Window Well

Carefully inspect your window well to determine how it has been secured to the home. Screws or bolts can be loosened or pried off with a crowbar. Go slow and steady to loosen the window well, then recycle properly. Remove adhesive and repair any damage to your exterior wall at this point so that you can securely attach the new window well.

3. Gravel

You will need about 4 inches deep of gravel to perform adequate drainage for your window well. You will probably need to remove existing gravel that has accumulated debris and blockage in order to properly drain the area and prevent water pooling and flooding.

4. Insert New Window Well

Your new window well should go 8 inches below the bottom of your window and rise 4-6 inches above ground level. These measurements will prevent damage and water problems. When you’re sure the new window well will fit, carefully secure it using hardware or adhesive.

5. Seal

Adding caulk or other sealants will prevent water damage or loosening of your window well over time. Follow the manufacturer recommendations and ask our window well experts at Windowell Expressions if you aren’t sure what to use.

6. Backfill and Finish

Pour retained dirt back around the outside of the window well until the soil is securely packed in and the sod or grass is replaced. The window well should be secure and unmoving.

 

If you have questions about the state of your window well, ways to make your window well safer or more attractive, or if you need to replace an old window well for better function or curb appeal, Windowell Expressions would love to help. 

   

How To Keep Your Window Wells Clean

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On a scale of 1-10, how clean are your window wells right now? Do you know off the top of your head, or would you have to go check? If it’s been a minute since you’ve paid attention to your window wells, you’re not alone. Most homeowners neglect their window wells until they’re forced to pay attention to them, and then there’s a lot of extra hassle. Instead, Windowell Expressions is here to help you establish a regular, easy routine for keeping your window wells clean.

Why should you keep your window wells clean? Well, you don’t exactly know when you’ll need to use them. In the event of a fire, intrusion, or other disasters, you may need to rapidly exit your home. You don’t want to wait until there’s an emergency to realize there is a mountain of trash and debris in your window well, or that a litter of kittens has set up shop in your rear window well. A messy, clogged window well can also create damage, leaks, and pest problems that could threaten the safety and security of your home.

So take our word for it and begin adopting these tips and tricks to keep your window wells clean.

1. Remove Debris.

Using a rake or grabber, regularly remove debris from your window well. Tumbleweeds and bush trimmings are common, as well as loose trash and kids’ toys. Once the largest debris has been removed, climb into the window well to pick up the small remaining debris that can’t be reached or grabbed with a rake.

2. Check Fit & Seal.

Your window well should fit snugly against the foundation of your house. Any gaps can introduce moisture and pests. Your window itself should be well sealed and free of cracks. This inspection should take place 1-2x a year at least to quickly identify damage. If you find any damage in the fit or seal of your window well, you may be able to repair it yourself with caulk or you can play it safe by calling our experts at Windowell Expressions for window well repairs.

3. Create Space.

If you have planted bushes or other plants near the opening of your window well, you’re likely to find more debris in that window well. Consider moving or trimming plants near the window wells, and mowing your lawn with care to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating in your window well. You may also experiment with stepping stones, pavers, or concrete near your window wells.

4. Cover.

The best way to keep your window well as clean as possible is to add a custom-fit window well cover to the opening of your window well. Even a grid metal grate will prevent most debris from falling in, or you can go for a bubble window well cover to eliminate anything from entering your window well. Covers also have the added benefit of making your window wells more safe from falls and injury.

Check up on your window wells regularly to keep your home beautiful and your loved ones safe.

   

What Are The Benefits of A Foundation Liner?

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Homeowners are always concerned about maintaining the integrity of their home and finding ways to keep it safe and protected. Not only is it where you live your life, but it’s also a major investment that needs to maintain value over time. What have you done to protect your home? Have you made any improvements to your home to increase its value?

One of our favorite ways to help people upgrade their home is to apply a foundation liner. A foundation liner is an application to the foundation and exterior of your home that has a multitude of benefits. Windowell Expressions has helped countless homeowners to upgrade their homes with foundation liners, and we’ve learned so many benefits of foundation liners for your property.

Protection

The primary reason people opt for foundations liners is that they’re looking for better protection for their home’s foundation. Foundation liners add an extra layer of insulation and resistance against water damage and any other affliction that could fall upon your home. Every extra layer helps make your home more resilient and repellent to danger. The foundation liner can prevent pests from damaging your foundation or allowing unwanted guests from crawling into your home through cracks and holes.

Curb Appeal & Home Value

Did you know that foundation liners can look any way you want? Stone, wood, faux elements, and more materials can create a seamless look or add an interesting contrast. Nearly any color is possible for our experts at Windowell Expressions. With a stylish foundation liner, your home will definitely stand out on your block. A foundation liner can significantly increase your curb appeal and the value of your home. If you’re ready to list your home and put it on the market, a foundation liner can be the easy step that sets you apart and allows you to list for that higher, more impressive price.

Support

For any homeowner planning out a home remodel or renovation, we recommend a foundation liner. It can provide additional support for your home at a time when there may be extra strain or damage. We also recommend a foundation liner for brand new homes to prevent any damage from ever occurring to the foundation around the base of the home, and for any home over 30 years old since the standards for construction have greatly improved in the meantime. These older homes can use additional support with foundation liners.

Walk the perimeter of your home, paying close attention to the foundation of your structure. Look for cracks in your foundation, damage from pests and animals, water damage, and even regular wear and tear from shrubbery and lawnmowers. If you discover that your home needs more protection, more support, or a little more curb appeal, it’s time to call Windowell Expressions to ask about the benefits of foundation liners for your home. Our experts can help you find solutions within your budget and to your exact taste to upgrade your home.

   

Top 4 Window Well Threats

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Window wells are a requirement of city and state codes in every single city and state in America. Window wells are an important safety requirement for a structure since they provide safe entry and exit in the event of a disaster or other emergency. Window wells also provide additional lighting and air flow to lower levels of a home or business that can make it more comfortable and enjoyable. But, like any other feature of your home, there can be inconveniences and disadvantages to window wells.

Windowell Expressions deals with the realities and implementations of window wells for all kinds of homes and structures to best meet your needs and satisfy the existing codes. We understand the threats and problems you might encounter with your window wells and we stand ready to help you find effective solutions.

1. Water Damage

One of the most devastating occurrences for a home is flooding and water damage. Whether it’s a bona fide flood, burst pipe, water runoff, improper drainage, or your kids trying to create their own water park, a window well can quickly become a channel directly into your home’s basement. How can you prevent this? A domed window well cover can divert any groundwater away from your window well. Proper seal on your windows and casings can prevent leaks. You should also take care to see that your runoff drains are directed away from the base of your home.

2. Falls

People and pets falling into an uncovered window well can spell serious disaster. All it takes is one ill-placed step and you could find yourself with a broken ankle, concussion, and need for medical care. An uncovered window well can be very dangerous for small children, too. Address this window well threat by getting a firm window well cover or grate that prevents falls.

3. Damage

It may seem that your window wells are indestructible, but that’s not the case. Window wells can sustain damage due to increased debris or animal involvement. Regularly clean out your window well to prevent any buildup of loose foliage, debris, decaying plants, or unwanted critters. Keeping your window wells free and clear will prevent scratching, denting, cracking glass, or other damage that can threaten the integrity of your window well.

4. Intrusion

Window wells can become a point of access for your home, which is the entire purpose. You should be able to exit your window wells with ease. But you also want to be sure your window wells aren’t a point of entry for criminals. Carefully lock your basement windows and consider a stick or block to prevent unwanted entry.

Window wells are an important feature of our homes, but they also come with their own associated risks. By carefully reviewing these listed threats and taking precautions, you can keep your window wells functional and safe to prevent any harm coming to you, your family, or your home. Windowell Expressions can help you create the window wells you need.

   

3 Ways a Window Well Cover Can Transform Your Basement

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Your basement can become a space to truly express yourself and create a space that will serve you well. Whether unfinished, in progress, well-used or long forgotten, your basement is an important part of your home that can always use some improvement. What are your top complaints about your basement in its current state? We’re willing to guess at least one of them can be improved by adding the right window well cover for your basement needs.

Windowell Expressions works hard to create functional window wells, home exteriors, and basements for proud homeowners everywhere.

Today we’re sharing three major ways a simple window well cover can transform your basement completely.

1. Safety.

The number one reason people purchase window well covers is for safety purposes. They don’t want their kids or pets to fall into their window wells. But did you know that the right window well covering can make your entire basement safer? The right window well covering can reduce water damage, while also making it easier and safer to exit your home through the basement in the event of an emergency. There are even window well covers that can prevent the introduction of any intruders into your window well space, to keep you more safe and secure.

2. Light.

For almost everyone, basements are a source of dim light. Because they usually rest below the ground’s surface, getting adequate light into your basement can be a challenge. However, you don’t need a full scale to remodel or basement walkout to create more light in your basement. Using a clear or open window well liner will allow the maximum amount of natural light to filter into your basement, as well as keeping the window well clear from obstructions that could block light from coming into your basement space. Think if every window well in your basement was free and clear so you could maximize the bright light to wake up your basement.

3. Airflow.

A lot of homeowners are reluctant to open their basement windows. So much debris ends up in those window wells that the windows always seem to be dirty, and without a window well cover it can also be full of foliage and even animals. But if your window well is clean and free from debris, it can actually be refreshing and healthy to regularly open your basement windows. Adding a functional window well cover can allow you to open your basement windows to maximize fresh air and proper air flow. This will, in turn, reduce any moisture or mold before it can become harmful.

Take a close look at your window wells this week and determine if there are any upgrades or improvements that could make your basement a more pleasant, safe, and bright place to enjoy your time. If you’re in need of any window well supplies or advice, Windowell Expressions has you covered! Call today!

   

How To Prepare Your Family For A Home Evacuation

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Hopefully, you will never need to rapidly leave your home in an emergency. Most homeowners never experience that terror. But in order to be safe and prepared it is vital that your family has an emergency response plan in the event, you need to evacuate your home. Do you have an evacuation plan? Have you discussed it with your family? What would happen in the event of a flood? A fire? A home invasion?

It is critical that you think about these scenarios BEFORE they happen, in case they happen. You don’t want to lose your head under pressure or find that something terrible has happened and you aren’t home with your family to evacuate. Will they know what to do?

Today, Windowell Expressions is sharing some important tips for preparing your family to respond well to an emergency home evacuation.

1. Consider the Possibilities.

Depending on where you live, some emergencies are more likely to occur than others. For example, the Midwest needs to worry more about tornados, while living in a flash flood area would put you on alert to flooding. Talk as a family about the risks you face. Utahns need to face the reality of a potential earthquake. All homes should consider fires or home invasions. What might that look like for your family and your home?E

2. Exit on Every Floor.

If you were trapped on a certain floor, could you safely exit the home? For example, if floodwaters rendered your main floor and basement dangerous, you should be able to exit through your top floor. A fire or home invasion on the above-ground floors could mean you needed to escape through your basement. Can you comfortably do that now? It may be time to consider a window ladder for your upstairs and an accessible window well for your basement that may feature steps or footholds.

3. Emergency Kits.

An emergency preparedness kit for each member of your family is essential. Consider keeping these in a high, dry, accessible location in your garage or some outside storage. An emergency preparedness kit could include water, food, first aid, clothing, batteries, flares, radios, and anything else you may need.

4. Practice.

It may seem morbid, but the best way to ensure your family’s safety in the event of an emergency home evacuation is to practice. Take some time to make sure your basement windows and basement window wells are functioning and accessible. Practice lowering your upstairs rope ladder. Make sure each member of your family knows how to safely exit the home and determine a rendezvous point for separated family members in the event of an emergency.

At Windowell Expressions, we hope for your greatest safety and comfort. We can be part of your family’s safe emergency evacuation plan by offering functional and safe window wells and access points that give your family an exit and peace of mind.

   

Different Types of Window Well Covers

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When it’s time to get a window well cover for your home’s window wells, there are many factors to consider. Thankfully, your options today are much wider than the window well options of the past. Today you can find a window well cover that will suit your needs, match your home, fit perfectly, and align with your budget. All it takes is a little research and shopping.

Windowell Expressions knows everything there is to know about window wells, and we can help you find the exact right option for your home’s window wells at an affordable, trustworthy price.

Today we’ll walk you through a few different and common types of windowwell covers so you can begin considering your needs and finding what works for you.

Grates

The most affordable and most common type of window well cover is a metal grate. Metal grates are popular because they keep large objects and living things from getting into your window well. These are a popular, quick choice for homeowners with children, pets, or lots of local wildlife. Depending on the size of the grate holes, you can prevent some debris from entering the window well. The grate window well cover can also be beneficial if you need airflow into your basement, or if you anticipate lots of walking/standing near the window well. Unfortunately, metal grates can rust, be too heavy for lifting to exit, and cannot prevent water damage or lots of dirt from entering your window well.

Bubble or Slope Covers

These window well covers are becoming increasingly popular, as they more effectively prevent water damage and debris. The bubble or slope covers do take up space and are visible above ground, but if they are made from clear materials they will let in a lot of light to your basement windows. They resist all water and make it impossible for kids or critters to get into your window well.

Dome or Atrium

Many older homes have split level basements, meaning the windows are partially above ground, but still feature a window well. These types of basement window wells, as well as any that have casement-style windows that open outward, need dome or atrium window well covers. These covers allow in all the natural light, while protecting the windows from flooding, intruders, and debris. The dome window well cover is designed to function like an exterior window, resisting UV damage and even withstanding hundreds of pounds of force.

Which type of window well cover is right for you? It all depends on what you need. If you are particularly concerned about water damage and flooding, you may consider a bubble cover for your window well.

If you mostly need to be sure your small children don’t fall into the open window wells, then maybe you just need a window well grate cover. Above ground windows in a window well need dome or atrium covers.

Talk to the experts at Windowell Expressions to help you determine which window well coverings will work best for your family and your home.

   

How To Increase The Life of Your Window Well Covers

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Window well covers are an excellent investment for your property. They keep things from falling into your window well, whether it’s branches and leaves, small animals, or even children. Window well covers can also make your home and yard look more aesthetically pleasing. Window well covers are a no-brainer for your property, but they can also be an important purchase that lasts the lifetime of your home.

If you are thinking about purchasing window well covers, or if you already have some window well covers for your home, you should know the best ways to protect and increase the life of your window well covers.

Windowell Expressions knows a thing or two about preserving window well covers that will protect your home. Let us help your window wells.

Safety

The reason window wells are required by law is for safety. In the event of a natural disaster, accident, or another dangerous event it is critical that you be able to exit the home. You need to regularly inspect the safety of your window well covers by exiting through the window and up through the window well. The window well should fit snugly but remove easily from the inside of the window well. If you realize your window well is not up to these safety standards or is improperly installed it could mean your window well covers are compromised and unable to serve their purpose.

No Storage

Many homeowners place things on their window well covers. Even if you’re just setting something there temporarily, it’s unsafe and decreases the life of your window well covers. Never place anything on your window well covers and carefully instruct your family members to avoid the window well covers. Additionally, the only thing that should be inside your window well is a small hanging ladder for exiting the window. Anything stored or fallen down there should be removed immediately.

Drainage

Do you know where your home’s drains lead? Many homes have a drain system that leads precipitation just a few feet from the base of the house. If you end up with a large amount of precipitation, especially in winter and spring months, you may want to consider extending your drain with a few feet of an inexpensive drain pipe. Leading the precipitation further away from your home’s foundation and window wells will decrease the likelihood of flooding and damage to your window wells.

How are your window wells? When was the last time you inspected them? Window well covers need to be checked at least once a year to ensure proper fit, protection, and safety.

Purchasing quality window well covers is a worthy investment, and as long as they are installed properly and regularly maintained they should last the life of your home and keep your window wells safe and functional.

Call Windowell Expressions today for window well repair, purchase, or simply a consultation about the needs of your home.

   

Window Well Liners Q&A

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At Windowell Expressions we are both knowledgeable and passionate about making your windows work for you. A well-made window well can enhance the structure, safety, and beauty of your home. For now, maybe you just see your window well as a code requirement at best and a tumbleweed trap at worst. We have so many great ideas to improve your use of your window well so that it is safe, useful, and dare we say, beautiful?

First, you need to make sure you have the required amount of window wells according to your city, county, or state code. Some require one window well per basement room, others just one for the entire basement. If you have the required window wells, it’s time to ensure that they are properly fitted. Check for cracks or wear, and clean out any debris that may have accumulated in your window well. If you identify any damage or need for replacement, Windowell Expressions can start there.

Who can use Window Well Liners?

Anyone with a boring or ugly window well can benefit from a window well liner. All you need is a window well that you can climb into. Adhesive liners can be removed, so they can even be used by renters.

What is a Window Well Liner?

Window well liners are sheets or coatings for the inside of your window well. They can be spray-in, or adhesive in construction. They shield the inside of your window well, for a variety of reasons. Some homeowners are looking for a more protective layer in their window well, perhaps one that is more pest-resistant or more difficult for animals to scale. Other window well liners can be simply for aesthetic purposes. Window well liners work best in conjunction with a window well cover to keep it from being pulled down, scratched, or otherwise damaged by debris or animals trying to get into your window well.

Where Can I Get a Window Well Liner?

Window well liners of all kinds can be found online or in certain home improvement stores. Windowell Expressions can also offer a wide range of options for your window well, personally tailored to your needs and desires.

When Can You Install a Window Well Liner?

Window well liners can be installed anytime but can be most effectively installed when you can avoid precipitation. Clean out your window well of all debris, then you’re free to install without complications. Windowell Expressions can install window well liners easily and affordably so you don’t have to worry about climbing in and out of your window well.

Why Do I Need a Window Well Liner?

The primary reason our clients opt for window well liners is to enhance the aesthetic of their basement rooms. You can select a window well liner that looks like brick, stone, or even a forest scene. Suddenly your window well is a beautiful focal point and can be opened for increased air and light in your basement. It’s an upgrade that costs very little and makes a huge impact.

If you’re ready for a change that will enhance your basement rooms without structural or expensive changes, window well liners can do it in a flash. Call Windowell Expressions for options today!