Photo Album: Installing Egress Windows in Elk Rapids, MI

Carol called with moisture problems in her new home. She suspected the basement windows were to blame, and she was right. Poorly installed windows, or just old windows that have fallen into disrepair, can be a major source of water problems in a basement. We not only replaced the windows themselves, but we installed new window wells with lids to keep the windows and the basement dry.

Leaking Egress Window #1

Visible cracks between the window/foundation and the window well (particularly on the right side) show a point of entry, and the degrading of the concrete points to long term standing water.

Leaking Egress Window #2

The fact that some portions of the concrete have already been replaced by bricks, which also seem to be falling apart, doesn't inspire much confidence. We also have the same gapping between the foundation and well and signs of other concrete patchwork.

Leaking Egress Window #3

Mold, peeling paint, gaps between the foundation and well, and clear debris infringing on the well and the drain make it easy to see why water was accumulating and making its way inside.

Closeup of Window Well Drain

This drain is used to let the water soak into the ground faster, but it's not very big and it's also at constant risk of getting clogged with debris. Enjoy your new egress window aquarium.

Gaps Between Window and Foundation Let Water In

This is an obvious entry point for water. Either the window wasn't properly installed in the first place or the concrete has eroded with time. Either way, it has to go.

Interior Problems with Egress Window

Other than the visible gaps between the window trim and the wall, there's also the fact that these windows are literally broken. As in the glass is cracked. That won't help with water problems.

Interior Signs of Problematic Egress Windows

The rust and warped wood on this window frame point to water problems, probably from that crack in the window.

Window Well Installation in Progress

While the concrete was lovely, these window wells will be better both aesthetically and when it comes to waterproofing.

Clean, Waterproof Egress Windows

They're not cracked! They're not gross! They're just clean, attractive, waterproof windows that aren't letting water leak into your basement. Marvelous.

Egress Window Lid Protects Window Well

By installing a lid over the window well, we prevent debris and water from filling it up and creating that DIY aquarium look you really don't want to deal with.