The basement window is a common place for a leak. By nature, the basement is susceptible to water intrusion and having a window below ground makes this a weak spot. That is why basement windows need to be supported with a waterproofing system and repaired when needed. Here are the basic solutions for a leaky basement window.
Replace the Windows
Sometimes the problem lies in the window itself. Sometimes the panes are broken or the frame is worn or broken. Older basement windows often have metal or wood frames that wear with time. New windows with vinyl or aluminum frames can help fix the issue.
If you are replacing the basement windows you may want to consider enlarging them and installing an egress window. Even if you aren’t converting the basement to living space right now, if you plan to remodel the basement in the future one of the first things that will need to be replaced are the windows. Egress windows are now required by code for all basement bedrooms. Enlarging the windows and replacing the window wells will allow more natural light and allow for an escape from the basement in case of a fire or other disaster. The egress windows’ minimum size should be 5.7 square feet of clear opening. The opening cannot be less than 24 inches in height or less than 20 inches in width and maximum sill height to be no more than 44 inches from the floor.
When a contractor installs an egress window they also have the opportunity to add more waterproofing to make sure that the new window doesn’t leak in the future.
Positive Slope
Even with new windows, sometimes the basement windows can still leak. Make sure that there is a positive slope around the foundation with the grade sloping away from the foundation wall. You never want the slope to channel water toward your foundation wall.
Yard Drainage and the Window Well
Same goes for yard drainage. We have seen yard drainage dumping water straight into the window well. Even with drainage and waterproofing built-in to the window well, excess water straining the well is not a good thing for the window. Never let water dump directly next to the foundation wall or basement windows. Don’t fill the window well up with debris. This blocks the drainage components of the window well and can cause for water to puddle and ultimately result in leaky basement windows. Make sure that you yard drainage is installed correctly and working properly. Downspouts and gutters should be clean and in good working order. If you have water build up in the yard consider an additional French Drain to collect and channel the water. Remember, the first line of defense in any waterproofing system is yard drainage. Divert as much water away from the foundation as possible. That is the key to a dry basement. Interior and exterior waterproofing systems can be the next line of defense to guard your basement against water.
That’s hard to answer. Get some estmtiaes before starting any job like this. Also get references as there are plenty of company’s/private carpenter’s that don’t guarantee there work. You do want all work guarantied if something should happen down the line.Word of mouth is a good place to start if you have friends or relatives that have had construction work done. You can also call Better Business Bearue to see if their name comes up on their list.Be sure to get everything in writing even if they say it is not needed. It’s almost impossible to tell you how much such a job is going to cost. It depends on what kind of materials you use. That’s why you need to get at least three estmtiaes before beginning any project like the one you are referring to.