Summer Ready Basements: Your Window Well Supply Guide to a Dry, Bright Season!

Summer is officially here, bringing with it sunshine, longer days, and… the occasional torrential downpour. While you're busy planning barbecues and beach trips, don't forget about an important, often overlooked, part of your home: your basement window wells! At Window Well Supply, we know that properly maintained window wells are essential for a dry, bright, and safe basement all year round, and especially during the summer months.

Here's why your window wells deserve some summer love, and how Window Well Supply can help:

1. The Summer Storm Defense: Keeping Water Out

Summer thunderstorms can be fierce. A well-maintained window well acts as your first line of defense against basement flooding.

• Clear the Debris: After a long spring, your window wells might be filled with leaves, twigs, and other organic matter. This debris can block crucial drainage paths. Take a few minutes to clear out anything that's accumulated. A small shovel or gloved hands will do the trick!

• Check Your Drainage: Pour a little water into your window well. Does it drain quickly and efficiently? If water pools, you might have a clog in your drainage system. This is a critical issue that needs addressing to prevent water from seeping into your basement.

• Invest in a Quality Window Well Cover: This is arguably the most important step for summer protection. A durable, properly fitted window well cover from Window Well Supply will:

  • Prevent Rainwater Buildup: Keep summer showers from filling your wells.

  • Deter Pests: Keep out curious critters like insects, rodents, and even small animals who might seek shelter from the heat or rain.

  • Control Debris: Minimize the amount of leaves, dirt, and other debris that can blow into your wells.

2. Bask in the Basement Sunshine: Maximizing Natural Light

One of the greatest benefits of window wells is the natural light they bring into your basement. Don't let a dirty or obstructed well dim your underground space!

• Clean Your Covers and Wells: A good scrub of your window well covers and the interior of your wells will dramatically increase the amount of light that reaches your basement windows. Our clear polycarbonate covers are designed to maximize light transmission.

• Trim Surrounding Foliage: Overgrown bushes or plants can block sunlight. Trim them back to allow maximum light penetration into your window wells.

3. Safety First: Protecting Your Loved Ones

Window wells, while beneficial, can pose a safety hazard, especially if you have children or pets playing in your yard.

• Secure Covers are Key: Our window well covers are designed for security and safety, preventing accidental falls into the wells. Look for covers with child-proof features for ultimate peace of mind.

• Emergency Egress: Many window wells are part of an egress system, providing an emergency exit from your basement. Ensure your cover is easily removable from the inside without special tools, as required by safety codes. A clean, unobstructed well is crucial for a quick and safe escape.

4. Beat the Heat: Improving Basement Airflow (with covers!)

While it might seem counterintuitive, certain window well covers can actually help with basement ventilation.

• Consider Vented or Hinged Covers: If your basement needs improved airflow, discuss options for covers that allow for some ventilation while still providing protection. On cooler summer evenings, you can even crack open your basement window slightly (with a secure cover in place) to allow for natural air circulation, helping to reduce humidity.

Your Summer Window Well Checklist:

• Clean: Remove all leaves, dirt, and debris from your window wells.

• Inspect: Check the well walls for cracks or damage, and ensure proper drainage.

• Cover: Install or inspect your window well covers for proper fit and security.

• Landscape: Trim overgrown plants around the wells and consider adding decorative, low-maintenance elements that don't obstruct drainage or access.

Don't let summer showers or overgrown wells dampen your basement experience. Visit Window Well Supply today to explore our wide range of durable, high-quality window wells and covers. We're here to help you make your basement a bright, dry, and safe space for summer and beyond!