What Am I Risking If I Wait To Replace My Window Well?

The earlier you act, the better chance you have of preventing damage to your bucks (the metal around your window) and your basement. If you let the rust continue to weaken the well you are risking complete failure usually resulting in a basement flood and total damage to your bucks. In the case of a heavy downpour of rain (or sprinkler failure) the earth becomes saturated and extremely heavy – which is when the weakened window well will collapse with the pressure.

When this happens, the collapsed well creates a low spot to which water will flow – filling up your well until the window finally breaks from the pressure of the water and pours the water into your home. If the window does not break from the pressure, the water will seep into your home slowly through the small drainage holes in your bottom of your windows. If you look closely at the picture below, you can see the waterline about halfway up the window.

Another consideration is that most home inspectors will flag rusting window wells. If you are planning on selling or renting your home in the near future, it is a good idea to solve this problem before it is holding up a sale.