How to Tame Moisture Arising Due to Basement Windows

While basement windows can help bring more light into the basement area, they can also be a weak link in your waterproofing efforts. They’ll likely let in moisture-filled air during hot and humid summer months. Moisture buildup will trigger mold growth, instigate condensation, and cause wooden fixtures to decay. 

Here are some different ways you can tackle these issues with your windows and moisture. 

• Clogged or Missing Window Well Drains: When drains fill with debris or aren’t installed at all, water collects in the well and seeps through the window frame.
• Cracked or Rusted Window Wells: Damaged wells can no longer hold back soil and moisture, allowing water to press directly against the window.
• Improper Window Installation: A window set too low or without proper flashing can create an easy entry point for moisture.
• Hydrostatic Pressure: Excess groundwater buildup around the foundation can push water through even small gaps around the window frame.

• Apply Gravel: Unlike mulch, gravel doesn’t suck moisture. In fact, gravel discourages precipitation, allowing water to move away from your home’s foundation. Two to three inches of gravel layer is enough. Anything more could impede the flow of water. 
• Weed your Garden: Weeds and overgrown shrubs don’t just make your yard lawn look unsightly, but they also encourage moisture around the foundation. Clear them from your lawn or yard. Dig down at least six inches and add crushed stone to discourage weeds from growing. 
• Replace Windows: Old basement windows or any that have been damaged by foundational shift can encourage basement leaks. You have to replace them with an egress window as soon as possible. They’re slightly larger, allow more light, and provide an exit.
• Check Gutters and Downspouts: When your roof drainage system clogs, it can instigate basement leaks. Water from blocked gutters can flow directly to your basement window. Over time, it will weaken the caulking, and this allows moisture to seep into the basement. 
• Use Native Plants: Indigenous plants prevent soil erosion and allow stormwater to drain more efficiently after a downpour. Check what species are available at your local nursery while laying out your landscaping plan, and make sure to leave room between root systems and your foundation.
• Evaluate the Soil Grading: The grading if your home’s soil affects your windows’ ability to resist water. If the grade slopes toward your home, the basement windows can leak. Re-grade the home and ensure the ground slopes six inches for every 10 feet all around your home’s foundation.
• Consider Soil Drainage: While it’s possible for rainwater to drain through the gravel around your home’s foundation, the profile of the underlying soil ultimately determines the drainage. Sandy soils drain well. Clay soils and compacted loam tend to hold huge amounts of water when fully wet.

If you need basement waterproofing advice or help sealing a leaky basement window, get in touch with JES Foundation Repair. We’re happy to provide you with a free basement repair inspection and quote along with solid recommendations to keep your basement moisture-free.