Window Wells and Weeping Tile

Is this the right solution for you?  

Your home has many components that work together to ensure it is secure and dry. Window wells and weeping tile are two very important systems that keep water from entering your home. Ground level and egress windows are highly susceptible to leaks - especially without a functioning window well and/or weeping tile. 

Window well and/or weeping tile maintenance, installation and repairs are best suited for the following problems: 

• Window wells that are flooding with water during heavy rains
• Evidence of water pooling around the perimeter of your home
• Water accumulating and remaining stagnant in window wells
• Excess water draining through your basement window or window frame
• Lack of a weeping tile system (typical of homes 60 years and older)

Window well and/or weeping tile maintenance, installation and repairs do not work well under the following circumstances:

• Windows that need replacing
• When grading, eavestrough or landscaping issues have not been evaluated and addressed

Window wells are designed to help drain water away from the area and redirect it into the ground below your home. If you are experiencing leaks around basement windows or water build up in your window well, it's time to have it serviced and inspected for potential damage. If you're not sure this is the issue, look closely for horizontal water lines across your window pane or water staining on the interior of your foundation. 

How it works: 

There are typically three outcomes when window wells and weeping tile repairs are involved. Maintenance, replacement or installation. In the event your water issues are the direct result from clogged window wells, cleaning and replacing drainage materials (such as gravel) should resolve the issue. If the window well or weeping tile has eroded and become damaged, replacement may be your only option. 

Regardless of the type of repair required, the first step to fixing the problem will be exposing the window well or weeping tile and assessing the damage. Once the specific problem has been identified, work may begin. 

In the case of window well replacements, the area surrounding the window well will be hand dug, exposing your foundation, window well and flashing. Old equipment will be removed, new equipment will then be installed and the area will be filled and regraded with the appropriate materials. 

Weeping tile replacement is significantly more involved. This requires the entire perimeter of your home to be dug out approximately 6-8 feet deep. This can either be hand dug or can be completed by the use of excavators and other heavy equipment. Once the entire foundation has been exposed, installation of the new materials may commence. Upon completion of installing a new weeping tile system, the area is backfilled with the appropriate materials and the ground is regraded. 

Care and maintenance: 

The biggest impact a homeowner can have in maintaining their window wells and weeping tile systems is landscaping management and close monitoring. We highly recommend that with each passing season you set aside time to inspect your eavestroughs, window wells and the perimeter of your home. Look and remove excess debris and take note of any rusted equipment. Watch for signs of water pooling around your foundation and be mindful of drainage material levels in window wells (i.e. gravel etc.)