Summer Prep for Your Window Wells: Sun, Fun, and Staying Dry!

Summer is almost here! We're all thinking about beach days, barbecues, and enjoying the beautiful weather. But while you're prepping your outdoor spaces for summer fun, don't forget an often-overlooked but crucial part of your home: your window wells.

Just like your patio furniture needs a good cleaning after winter, your window wells can benefit from a little summer prep to ensure they function properly and keep your basement dry and bright all season long. Summer brings its own set of challenges, from sudden downpours to curious critters, and taking a few proactive steps now can save you headaches (and potential water damage) down the line.

Here's your summer checklist for window well success:

1. The Big Clean-Out:

Just like spring cleaning, a summer sweep of your window wells is essential. Over the past months, they may have accumulated leaves, dirt, debris, and even the occasional unwelcome guest.

• Grab your gloves and a bucket: It's time to get your hands a little dirty!
• Remove all loose debris: Clear out leaves, twigs, dead insects, and anything else that has settled in the well. A small shovel or even a sturdy gardening trowel can be helpful.
• Check for blockages: Ensure the drainage at the bottom of the well isn't clogged with dirt or stones. Proper drainage is crucial for preventing water buildup during summer storms.

2. Inspect for Damage:

Take a close look at the condition of your window wells themselves.

• Check the walls: Are there any cracks, rust, or signs of deterioration? Addressing these issues early can prevent more significant problems later.
• Examine the drainage: Pour a bit of water into the well to ensure it drains away quickly and efficiently. If it pools, you may have a blockage that needs attention.
• Assess your window well covers (if you have them): Are they securely in place? Are there any cracks or damage that could compromise their effectiveness?

3. Consider the Benefits of Window Well Covers (Especially for Summer!):

Summer brings more than just sunshine. It can also bring sudden thunderstorms and an increase in outdoor pests. This is where a good quality window well cover truly shines (pun intended!).

• Rain Protection: Summer showers can be intense. Covers prevent rainwater from directly filling your window wells and potentially leaking into your basement.
• Pest Prevention: Keep unwanted critters like insects, rodents, and even small animals out of your window wells and away from your basement windows.
• Safety First: Covers add an extra layer of safety, preventing accidental falls into the wells, especially important if you have children or pets.
• Debris Control: Even summer breezes can carry leaves and debris. Covers help keep your window wells cleaner for longer.

4. Evaluate Your Current Covers (or Consider Investing):

If you already have window well covers, now is a good time to check their condition and ensure they are the right fit for your wells.

• Are they sturdy enough? Flimsy covers can easily be damaged by weather or animals.
• Do they fit properly? Gaps can allow debris and pests to enter.
• Are they easy to remove for cleaning? Practicality is key!

If you don't have window well covers, summer is an excellent time to consider investing in them. They offer year-round protection and peace of mind. We offer a variety of durable and aesthetically pleasing options to suit your needs.

Summer is a time for relaxation and enjoyment. By taking a little time now to prep your window wells, you can ensure a dry, bright, and worry-free season in your basement. Don't let a neglected window well dampen your summer fun!