Window Well Installation Experts in Toronto!

There are many reasons why you might experience damp in your basement, or leaks through to the inside of your home. At Direct Waterproofing we can solve the problem no matter what the cause, and offer a full range of basement waterproofing and water control solutions in Ontario.
Leaks and damp problems can sometimes be caused by a build up of water in your window well. If you have windows at or below ground level, then they should come with a window well installed.

The function of the well is to capture and redirect water via drainage, but if the drain becomes clogged, or the window well is damaged or non-existent, then the water can stay contained in the well, and can eventually leak through walls, window frames, or even the window itself. If this happens then you will have a very wet basement, very quickly!

Why Might You Need Window Well Installation?

If you see water marks or stains on your foundation walls underneath your window, then your window well could be a major point of entry for a leak. If pools of water build up in the well when it rains, then this is a sign that damp might soon make its way into your home. In any case, if you have damp in your house than it is well worth getting the problem sorted.

If the problem is the window well, the solution is often cost effective, and only requires minor heavy work to install the drainage systems. With a new window well installed the leak will be a thing of the past, and you can get back to enjoying a nice comfortable basement.

What is Window Well Installation?

If water is leaking in because of an issue with your window well, then there are several ways that we can help:

Clean out debris:

In some cases, your existing window well may not work simply because it is clogged with debris. Some maintenance can help to prevent this, but if the problem is already severe you might need professional assistance. We can restore your existing window well where possible.
New window well drainage:

If you already have a window well and it has stopped working, the drainage is usually at fault. We can install new window well drainage that connects to weeping tiles, and channels the water away. If the situation calls for it, a basement sump pump may assist in carrying the water elsewhere.
Window well installation:

It may be the case, due to shoddy workmanship, that you don’t have a window well where you should have one. You may also need window wells installing if you are having new windows, as is the case with a basement conversion. Your existing window well may not be well designed. In any of these cases, we can professional install new window wells of the highest quality.

Window Well Installation Process

Window wells need proper maintenance in the form of draining. They need to have drainage that will prevent the water from seeping into the basement. This is crucial because window seals are not waterproof, which means that the water can get through them into the basement and cause leaks and damages. Our window well installation process includes:

1. Excavation

For the window well to function effectively, the area has to be dug deep until it reaches the weeping tile. The draining pipe is always installed around the foundation of the house to protect from moisture. The weeping tile is one of the ways drainage can be done on the window wells. If the area is not excavated deeply enough, there could still be pooling water.
2. Testing the weeping tile

The main role of a weeping tile is to protect the basement and the foundation from excess moisture. Testing it is, therefore, an essential part of window well installation. It is the only way to ensure the weeping tile is functioning. It is better to ensure it is in an optimal condition to avoid dealing with repairs soon after the installation of the window well.
3. Applying liquid rubber

Digging up the space on the window means exposing the walls. If not sealed, there could be more damage, such as cracking or exposure to water. Liquid rubber is a strong adhesive that can be used on any surface ranging from concrete to PVC. It will not only protect the foundation from moisture but also from rusting.
4. Installing a deep sheet membrane

Liquid rubber can work on its own to provide the needed protection, but we don't take any chances. We will add another protective layer with a dimpled sheet air-gap membrane. The sheet will provide hydrostatic pressure relief that redirects water from the foundation.
5. Putting in PVC drain out

Our next step will be to install a 4-inch PVC pipe to drain water. We use rigid pipes that start below the window sill and touch the weeping tile.
6. Window Well Installation

We will attach the window well into the walls and fasten it with the right screws. We make sure it remains safely in place and that it is in the best condition. We take care not to damage your walls in the process.
7. Adding backfill and gravel

We will fill the area we dug up with backfill soil, but we leave space for gravel. We will get rid of the raining soil, so you won't have to deal with the stress of disposing of it yourself. We will use drainage gravel to cover the remaining space and to ensure water flows properly from the window well.

Direct Waterproofing For Window Well Installation In Toronto

When you work with Direct Waterproofing you work with the best in the industry. We have 25 years of experience waterproofing foundations, and we know how to find the source of the problem and fix it! We offer a consultation so that we can diagnose the situation, and find an appropriate solution that will rid your home of damp and leaks. Our team of highly qualified professionals will install your window well in Ontario.

How is a window well supposed to work?

A window well is supposed to protect the basement from moisture. It also keeps away soil and allows natural light to reach the basement. The installation of the window well creates a hollow space where water collects. That is why a drain pipe is always mandatory to ensure that water gets to the weeping tile system where it can be redirected correctly. You could also have gravel in addition to the pipe. The objective is to have a good drainage system for the water. In case you use gravel, it has to be very deep.

For the window well to work properly, it has to be in optimal condition without debris covering it. You should always check the area and clear out dry leaves, twigs, and other debris that may be there. You could also conduct regular tests to ensure the water is draining as well as it should. Use a hose to pour water on the window well and monitor the drainage rate.

We can do all this for you. We will make sure your window well is working optimally and remains clean at all times.

Most common causes for window well issues

Having a non-functional window well can have the same detrimental effects as not having one. If you want to enjoy a dry basement, make sure your window well doesn’t experience any issues. Common causes for window well issues are:

Poor installation

For a window well to work suitably, it has to be connected to the wall firmly. Any chance of becoming loose or disengaging from the wall will create room for soil to reach the foundation. Water will also seep through the gaps and wreak havoc in the basement. In most cases, this happens when the soil around the window well isn’t compacted enough and the soil shifts. If the shifting forces the well out of place, you will have to spend more money on a replacement. Our installers understand this concept and can make sure the window well remains in position through the season changes.
Poor drainage

The water that falls into the window well needs a way to exit and be drained elsewhere. If that exit is not there, the water will pool and continue to increase, eventually finding its way into the basement. It's not enough to install a drainpipe; it must be connected to another system that will ensure that water moves away from the house. It should be connected to a sump pump that leads it to an external sewage system or to your sump pit that eventually leads the water away from the house.
Well blockages

Since the window well is outside, it is bound to have leaves, tree branches, and other debris. If you don’t clear away the debris, it will clog the pipe bottom, leaving the water no way out. The water will continue to accumulate and get into the basement through the window. The same can happen during winter when ice blocks the pipes. The solution is to ensure the well is raised above the soil level. Our professional team can also clean out the debris and install a window well cover that will prevent similar problems in the future.
Degenerating windows

If the materials used to make your window reach their longevity, they could start to deteriorate, leaving the window susceptible to damage. They will form gaps and will not withstand the pressure of water from the window well. If the window is made with metal, it will rust and give in to the constant pressure. We can use materials that won’t rot or warp to reinforce your windows when installing the window well.

Hugh MacDonald

I recently had a leak in my basement that caused severe flooding any time there was rain and it was even worse after snow melted. I called Direct Waterproofing and they had someone at my home within a couple of hours to take a look at the problem. The tech that I spoke with was very professional and knowledgeable. The next day their crew was there and the problem was fixed very quickly. I was very impressed with the level of service I received from Direct Waterproofing.

Joseph Demko

Direct Waterproofing helped us out with an emergency plumbing issue. It was a pleasure working with their team!

Denise Hall

I'd like to thank Direct Waterproofing for doing excellent job, even though the conditions were far from perfect.

Vijay

Steve helped me to fix our basement leaking problem he is very professional helpful knowledgeable. I would recommend this to everyone. He also gave a warranty for his work and very kind and trustworthy.

Angel Licop

Steve and his crew from direct waterproofing was great. he explained every single details of the job and it was constructed really well. I would definitely recommend him to any of my neighbor and relatives who needs a basement waterproofing job.

Donna Gurney

Reasonable rates. Professional approach. Punctual and compassionate.

Mary Roloff

Direct waterproofing is truly great at what they do. I turned to them when my window well leaked. They arrived on the same day, immediately suggested a way to solve the issue, and gave me a breakdown of the necessary supplies. Everything was made very clear. It's been 2 months since they fixed it, and there have been no more leaks.

William Jefferson

I've recently had the misfortune to receive a call from my downstairs neighbours about ceiling leakage after I left on vacation last year. My trip would be ruined without direct. Thankfully my sister was able to let them in and the leakage was stopped promptly.

Maeve Rempel

These guys are professionals, they did a good job waterproofing the basement in my cottage. The project manager was always checking on the site, making sure things go smoothly.

Window Well Installation Toronto