Homeowners need regular window well liner replacement, and they must know how to identify the signs that it’s time. The lowest level in a home is the space most prone to flooding. By protecting one of the common water entry points — the windows — with a high-quality liner, homeowners can know for certain their basement is safe from potential water damage.
What Does a Window Well Liner Do?
Windows are a beneficial addition to lower-level living spaces. They add light and air circulation to the room, giving basement areas an above-ground atmosphere. When basement windows are positioned below ground level, a retaining wall is placed around the window to push back the earth, leaving a hole, called a window well. This retaining wall is a window well liner, commonly made of steel. In some cases, concrete or stones are used to construct the window well. A drain is built into the liner to remove debris like leaves and dirt, making sure rainfall does not build up next to the window, but instead empties away from the home’s foundation.
Interior Signs of Wear and Tear
To check if the liner is functioning properly, regularly inspect your basement for indications of water damage. A faulty liner and draining system will result in a pool of water adjacent to your basement window after heavy rainfall. Over time, constant moisture around the window can cause the frame to rot. The seal can also fail, causing seepage from the interior concrete surrounding the window. If enough water fills the well, the pressure may be strong enough to break the glass, causing a basement flood.
If your lower level is finished, it’s even more important to keep out moisture from rain and rising groundwater, but you may not be able to spot the water damage as quickly. If you notice a mildew smell near your basement windows, this could signal improper drainage. A defective drain may not require replacement. If you clean out the drain and it still does not function properly, contact a window well specialist for an assessment. The liner and drain design may require restructuring and reinstallation.
Exterior Indications of a Failing Liner
If the liner begins to separate from the home structure, it’s time to purchase a new one. This could be the early stages of a liner collapse. Once that occurs, the basement windows could quickly shatter, resulting in a more costly repair. Periodically inspect each for weaknesses. Always replace liners that are attached directly to the window frame, as this type of installation is incorrect and will put undue pressure on the windows.
If you notice damage to your basement window liners, contact Windowell Expressions for immediate window well liner replacement and fortification to ensure weather protection for years to come.
