How to Support a Collapsing Window Well: Emergency Guide
A collapsing window well is a potential emergency that can put your family and property at risk.
If you’re faced with this situation and need to know how to support a collapsing window well, it’s crucial to act quickly and prioritize safety above all else:
– Do not enter the collapsed area.
– Keep children and pets away from the unstable well.
– If the collapse affects your foundation wall, evacuate the basement immediately.
– Contact a structural engineer if you see foundation cracks or movement.
Once you’ve addressed these urgent safety steps, you can begin to assess the damage and plan your next moves.
What Causes Window Well Collapse?
Understanding why window wells fail will help you prevent future problems as well as recognize warning signs early.
Poor Drainage
When water isn’t properly directed away from your window well, it can quickly become a major issue. Water accumulation creates hydrostatic pressure against the well walls, making them more likely to bow or collapse.
As the soil around the well becomes saturated and heavy, the risk for a sinking window well increases (especially during freeze-thaw cycles).
Inadequate Well Strength or Thickness
A window well’s strength and thickness is its main line of defense against soil and water. If the well isn’t tall or thick enough, it may not be able to withstand the pressure.
Using the wrong materials (i.e., landscape block, railroad ties, etc) can also lead to premature failure.
Improper Backfill
The type of soil and how it’s placed around your window well matter. Non-compacted soil might settle over time, creating voids and instability.
The wrong soil type often causes problems: clay holds water and increases pressure, while sand can shift and erode. Without a proper gravel base for drainage, water pools and adds even more stress to the structure, eventually resulting in a sunken window well.
Missing Waterproofing
Waterproofing is essential for protecting both your window well and your foundation. If there’s no waterproof membrane between the soil and the foundation, water can seep in and cause damage. Inadequate foundation waterproofing only makes matters worse, increasing the risk of leaks or structural issues.
How to Support a Collapsing Window Well: Emergency Stabilization Steps
Taking swift action can make all the difference in preventing further damage until professionals arrive. Here’s how to support a collapsing window well in a few actionable steps!
Stop Water Infiltration
– Cover the area with heavy-duty tarps to keep rain and runoff out of the window well.
– Divert surface water away from the well using temporary barriers or trenches.
– Pump out any standing water to reduce pressure on the well and foundation.
Prevent Further Collapse
– Place plywood sheets over the opening to block debris and provide a barrier; make sure the plywood is supported at the edges only, not in the middle.
– Do NOT add weight or walk on unstable areas, as this could trigger additional collapse or injury.
– Consider temporary shoring with lumber if the area is severely compromised, but always consult an egress professional before attempting any structural support.
Document Everything
– Take photos from multiple angles to capture the extent of the damage.
– Note any foundation damage or visible cracks for your records.
– Contact your insurance company immediately to report the incident and begin the claims process.
Professional Installation Requirements
When it comes to repairing or replacing a collapsed window well, cutting corners is never an option. A professional egress installer follows strict guidelines and best practices to ensure every component works together to prevent future failures.
Site Preparation
Proper site preparation is the foundation of a successful window well installation (literally). Professionals begin by excavating to a depth that allows at least 12” inches below the egress window sill, allowing for adequate drainage and preventing water intrusion. The width of the well should be a minimum of 36 inches projection from the foundation wall to provide enough space for a safe exit.
Before any digging begins, a soil analysis is performed to test for drainage capability and stability, which helps prevent shifting or water problems.
Drainage System
A drain tile is installed that connects the window well to the home’s foundation drainage or sump system, allowing water to be carried away efficiently. At the base of the well, at least 6 inches of washed gravel is laid to promote drainage and prevent soil from clogging the system.
The window well must have a direct drain connection and a waterproof penetration through the foundation for the drain pipe to keep moisture out of the basement.
Retaining Wall Construction
A retaining wall used in walkout or walkup basements rests on a concrete footing that extends below the frost line to prevent shifting during freeze-thaw cycles.
For added stability, tie-backs are used to secure the wall to the foundation every 4 to 6 feet. The height of the wall should extend at least 6 inches above the surrounding grade to keep out surface water.
Backfill also requires proper drainage material, which is compacted in layers to prevent settling and shifting over time.
Window Well Components
Made of galvanized steel or a composite material, a well will be added by your egress installer as one of the first steps after excavation and cutting the foundation. A window well cover is also recommended for safety, debris control, and weather protection.
For egress wells deeper than 44 inches, building codes require an egress ladder or steps to ensure a safe exit in an emergency.
Red Flags When Hiring Contractors
Choosing the right contractor is essential for a safe, code-compliant, and long-lasting window well installation. Not all contractors follow best practices, and hiring the wrong one can lead to costly repairs along with ongoing problems. When evaluating potential contractors, be on the lookout for companies that:
– Suggest using landscape blocks for window wells.
– Don’t mention drainage or waterproofing.
– Quote significantly below others (30%+ difference).
– Can’t provide local references or proper licensing.
– Rush the timeline or skip permit requirements.
On the other hand, quality contractors will demonstrate their expertise and professionalism in several ways, including:
– Providing detailed written estimates.
– Explaining drainage solutions thoroughly.
– Showing examples of previous egress work.
– Pulling proper permits.
– Offering warranties on their work.
– Using engineered materials and proper techniques.
Maintenance and Long-term Prevention
Even with a professional installation, regular window well maintenance is key to preventing future problems and making certain your system continues to protect your home. By staying proactive, you’ll catch small issues before they snowball into a window well sinking.
Annual Inspections
Make it a habit to inspect your window wells at least once a year, especially after heavy rains. Check for standing water, which can indicate drainage problems.
Inspect your retaining walls for any cracks or signs of movement, and clear out any debris from drains to keep water flowing freely. Test the window to ensure it opens smoothly, also verify that the egress ladder is stable and secure.
Warning Signs
Always stay alert for warning signs that your window well may need attention! Water infiltration during rain, cracks in the retaining walls, or noticeable soil settlement and shifting are all causes for concern.
Watch for any movement in your foundation wall or if the window becomes difficult to operate; these can signal more serious structural issues that require prompt professional evaluation.
When to Call Professionals Immediately
Some window well issues require urgent attention from experienced professionals. Contact a qualified contractor right away if you notice any of the following:
– Any movement or cracking in your foundation wall?
– Complete or partial collapse of the window well.
– Persistent water infiltration that doesn’t resolve with basic maintenance.
– Soil settlement that appears to affect the stability of your foundation.
– Situations where your insurance company requires a professional assessment for a claim.
Stop Window Well Collapse in Its Tracks with Egress Solutions
Egress Solutions brings years of expertise to every project, stopping window well failures before they threaten your home. With top-tier materials and trusted egress brands, we reinforce your basement for lasting protection and peace of mind.
Contact our team and let us handle your window well with the care it deserves!