PROFESSIONAL WINDOW WELL INSTALLATIONS IN THE OTTAWA-GATINEAU REGION
WHAT IS A WINDOW WELL AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Window wells, when paired with a proper vertical drain, essentially prevent water accumulations and infiltrations or damage to the basement through foundation windows. A window well is a rectangular or semi-circular structure installed around windows that are near ground level. The window wells we install are made of galvanized steel, ensure a basement window's safety and functionality by properly draining the rain away from the weeping tiles, and can add aesthetics if it is a window well with patterns like Bowman-Kemp. Window wells are essential to providing natural light and ventilation to basements with windows below ground. They can also serve as an emergency fire escape in some buildings when paired with egress windows.
Any window near or below grade must use a window well and vertical drain to prevent water and moisture from entering your basement. An improperly installed window well or drainage system will result in water accumulations with water either going above the windowsill or finding a crack to enter the basement. If you face similar problems, contact BOL-DAN for any inquiries or a free estimate.
BENEFITS OF WINDOW WELLS
Some of the benefits of window wells are as follows:
Enhanced Lighting: For basements with windows below ground, the right window well can allow more natural light into the basement, improve visibility and reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Ventilation: They facilitate better air circulation in the basement area, reducing humidity, preventing musty odours, and contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
Increased Home Value: Window wells can add finishing to a property's basement if you go for a Bowman-Kemp or custom window well instead of the regular galvanized well. But to increase home value, egress windows with a proper egress window well are the most popular option since they increase the value of your home and can be part of allowing your basement to be classified as living space.
Privacy: Window wells can provide privacy by shielding basement windows from direct view to an extent, particularly in homes with close neighbours. This allows basement occupants to enjoy natural light without compromising privacy.
Water Management: A properly installed window well with a vertical drain sends water to the weeping tiles, reducing the risk of leaks, flooding, and water damage. They can allow you to raise the grade, if it's currently sloping towards your home, to divert rainwater away from the foundation.
Emergency Fire Escape: Window wells paired with egress windows provide a safe exit route in case of emergencies, meeting building safety codes. Code in Ottawa requires egress window wells to protrude out from the foundation at least 22 inches past the window opening; we usually use a 30-inch protrusion well for ease of escape.
COMMON PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW-WELLS
Even with proper installation, window wells can encounter issues over time. Our team can address these common window well problems to maintain the integrity of your basement and foundation:
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Water Accumulation: Poor drainage, clogged drains and soil Intrusion into the well can lead to standing water, increasing the risk of basement leaks either by cracks or through the window itself.
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Debris Buildup: Leaves, dirt, and other debris can block drainage, reduce light entry, and create a potential breeding ground for insects.
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Damage to the Window Well: Soil pressure or impact from outside forces can cause bending, cracking, or separation from the foundation wall.
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Corrosion or Deterioration: Metal window wells may corrode over time, while plastic wells can crack due to UV exposure or extreme temperatures. Galvanized wells typically last 20-40 years due to their zinc coating, depending on conditions.
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Improper Sizing or Installation: Wells that are too small, not deep enough or incorrectly installed may not provide adequate drainage, allow water to enter through the window or allow soil to infiltrate into the well. For emergency egress, the egress window wells in Ottawa are required to minimally protrude at least 22 inches out from window opening though 30 inches is what we install for ease of escape.
Our team aims to identify and resolve these issues efficiently, ensuring that window wells continue to function as intended. Regular restorations and repairs can address minor issues before they escalate, protecting your basement and foundation from potential damage.
REGULAR GALVANIZED STEEL WINDOW-WELL
BOWMAN-KEMP WINDOW-WELL
ARE YOU THINKING OF JUST REPLACING YOUR CURRENT WINDOW WELL?
There are a couple of things to keep in mind if you are thinking of just replacing your old window wells:
1. Do you know if there is an existing functioning vertical drain?
If you don't have a functioning vertical drain, water will tend to build up in the window well and may go in through the window itself.
2. Do you know if there are cracks that had developed below the window?
The windows are stress points due to the concrete that was removed to make them. Those cracks need to be waterproofed either by injection or waterproofing or you risk water infiltrations, damage to the basement, and mould.
3. Do you want a regular corrugated galvanized steel window well or want something with a pattern in it?
If so, Bowman-Kemp window wells are an option. They come in an interlocking pattern. They do cost more than regular wells though but are more solidly built.
4. Do you want a warranty for the window well and waterproofing?
If we do a full waterproofing job, it's a 20-year waterproofing warranty vs. a 2-year installation warranty for just installing the window well.
WHY CHOOSE US
We provide professional window well installation in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, focusing on quality, reliability, and results that meet your specific needs. Here is why clients choose us:
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Experience: Serving the Ottawa area since 1994, we have extensive experience in foundation and masonry services.
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Quality: We use durable materials and proven techniques to ensure long-lasting results.
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Customer Satisfaction: Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our high customer satisfaction ratings and positive reviews.
CONTACT US
Contact BOL-DAN today for professional window well installation in the Ottawa-Gatineau area and schedule a consultation to discuss your project needs. We offer top-quality window well installations, providing utmost customer satisfaction and helping you with further guidance and repairs related to it in the future. Contact us today!
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING
Professional and Meticulous
After the severe rainfall the city received back in August, I discovered that my 40 year-old window wells had filled up and overflowed into my basement. I read reviews online and contacted 3 foundation repair companies. I'm still waiting for a callback from the first and the second only communicated by email, providing a very expensive price per window well. When I contacted Bol-Dan, I had a visit from Christian the next day. He took detailed measurements and notes and explained exactly what the repairs would entail before doing a thorough walk around the property to identify other potential foundation problems. I received a quote in writing the next day with fair prices and a 20 year warranty. Gaetan's crew completed the repairs only 5 weeks later and were very careful not to tear up my lawn or damage equipment/utility lines in the area. They also promised to return in the spring to add extra stone or earth to any areas that might settle. I was very pleased with their work and wouldn't hesitate to use them in the future should the need arise.
Jeff L.