Basement windows are one of the most important sections of your home’s foundation. They provide a way for natural light to enter your basement. They can also be used as emergency exits. But, they can also be a burden if they leak or fail to meet specific standards. If water is allowed into your basement through these windows, then you will have an expensive problem on your hands. Companies like Pomwaterproofing.ca help homeowners to make their basement waterproof.
In this article, we have mentioned the top 5 tips for waterproofing basement windows. You can implement them to prevent water from seeping into your home and causing damage.
5 Tips for Waterproofing Basement Windows
A basement window is an essential part of your home. They add natural light and improve the atmosphere of a basement. But they can also leak or flood if not properly waterproofed. Here are five tips you need to know for waterproofing your basement windows:
1. Check your gutter
Many homeowners face this issue because of blockage in the water drainage system. If you live in an area with heavy rain, ensure that the gutters around your basement windows are clean and clear of leaves. Eliminating clogs or anything that could lead to water spilling over will help prevent leaks into your home’s foundation. This is especially important because it is the cause of low water flow. So, next time if you notice water overflowing in the gutter, clean the clogs or try to hire a plumber to inspect the problem. Because if your gutter size is not enough to transfer all the water, it can also cause problems.
2. Find the source of water
You need to find the source of water in order to seal it and prevent future flooding. If you follow the line of water, maybe you can find the source. But there are other ways to trace the source of the water leak. You can use aluminum foil for this method. First, clean the wet area properly with a rag. Then attach the aluminum foil with duct tape on the wall, keep it for 24 hours. After 24 hours, check the foil. If you feel it wet, then the water is coming from the window. But if you find it dry, then it is a problem with the basement. In this way, you can determine the source of leakage.
3. Use caulk for sealing
Another excellent way is applying caulk. Caulk can help to seal the window joints and keep water out of your basement windows. You can find it in your nearest hardware store. Besides, you don’t need to hire any professional for caulking. But before applying caulk, remove the old. Never apply new caulk on old caulk. You can apply a caulk softener to make it removable. Then use a knife to remove the old caulk. In addition, before applying caulk, inspect the window frame and sidewall. Because if it is leaking for a long time, then it can damage these additional areas. Apply the caulk periodically from one side to another. It will make the bond strong and help from leaking the window again.
4. Install window well
Installing a window well can also help you to make your basement window waterproof. The window well helps to remove water from near the window. But it can still cause damage if you don’t install it correctly. Make sure that you install the drainage system properly so that the water can be removed without any difficulty. Another thing is it is crucial to keep the well debris free. Therefore, installing a window wall cover can help you to keep them away. The efficiency of a window well decreases as it gets old. If you notice such a problem, then it is better to replace the well with a new batch.
5. Check your land’s grading
Though you have applied all of the tips mentioned above, they won’t work if there is another problem. It is land grading. The land around your house is graded to direct water away from home. But if it is sloped towards your house, then it can damage your basement window. In this case, no other tips can help you with making the basement window waterproof. Even maintaining the windows also won’t help to stop leakage. If you notice something like that, then it is better to hire a professional for an inspection. Because they can give you the best suggestion according to the conditions.
Importance of Waterproofing Basement Windows
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It is essential to waterproof basement windows to prevent any water from seeping in. Basement window leaks can lead to significant structural damage. Besides, it will increase your utility bills. Moreover, mold growth around the window will cause health hazards for residents of the home. Therefore, it is crucial to make your basement windows waterproof. Besides, it will also add value to your property.
There is the common misconception that basement windows are not as vulnerable to water damage or flooding because they are at ground level. But this is not always true. Basement windows should be sealed and waterproofed just like any other window in your home. These top 5 tips for waterproofing basement windows will help you to achieve a dry and powerful basement window.
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