Window Well Installation in Toronto

Professional window well installation for basement drainage, natural light, and egress code compliance.

Professional waterproofing contractor
Window wells are one of the most overlooked components of a home’s waterproofing system. In our 20+ years of basement waterproofing in Toronto, we estimate that one in four wet basement calls we respond to involve water entering through or around a basement window — and in most of those cases, the window well is either missing, improperly installed, or completely filled with debris. A properly installed window well is not just about letting light into your basement; it’s a critical drainage structure that prevents water from pooling against your foundation wall at the window opening.

Benefits of Our Window Well Installation

Prevents water pooling against basement windows
Meets Ontario building code egress requirements
Brings natural light into your basement
Rust-proof galvanized or composite materials
Proper drainage with gravel and weeping tile connection
Window well covers available for added protection
Toronto’s building stock presents unique window well challenges. Many homes built in the 1950s through 1970s have basement windows that sit very close to grade level, and over the decades, landscaping, new driveways, and soil settlement have raised the grade until it’s level with or above the window sill. This means every rainfall sends water directly against the window. The Ontario Building Code requires that window wells extend at least 150mm above grade and include proper drainage to the weeping tile system. We’ve seen countless Toronto homes where the original galvanized steel wells have rusted through, the drainage gravel is completely plugged with clay sediment, and there’s no connection to the weeping tile at all.

Signs You Need Window Well Installation

Standing water visible inside the window well after rainfall that takes hours or days to drain
Rust holes or complete deterioration of the existing metal window well liner
Water stains, dampness, or active leaking around the basement window frame
Window well filled with leaves, soil, or debris level with or above the drainage gravel
Exterior grade level has risen to within a few inches of the basement window sill
Musty odour concentrated near basement windows, indicating trapped moisture and early mould growth
Our installation process starts from the bottom up. We excavate down to the footing, install a gravel drainage bed connected directly to your perimeter drainage system, and then set the window well — we use galvanized steel, aluminum, or composite polycarbonate depending on the application and your budget. The well is secured to the foundation wall with corrosion-resistant fasteners, and the backfill behind the well is clean drainage gravel, not the clay soil we removed. This ensures water drains down and away rather than pooling against the window.
For egress window wells — required by the Ontario Building Code for any basement bedroom — we install larger wells with built-in steps or ladders, a minimum clear opening of 380mm x 760mm, and a well depth that allows the window to open fully. If you’re planning a basement apartment or underpinning project, egress window wells are not optional; they’re a fire safety and code compliance requirement. We handle the full installation including window enlargement, well installation, and drainage integration.
We always recommend clear polycarbonate window well covers to keep out leaves, snow, and debris while still allowing natural light through. These covers also prevent children and pets from falling in, and they significantly reduce the amount of water entering the well during heavy rain. Combined with proper drainage, a covered window well effectively eliminates one of the most common water entry points in Toronto basements. Every installation includes a final grading check to ensure surface water flows away from the well, not toward it.
Not sure what you need? Get a Free Inspection Call (647) 930-9220

Our Technical Approach to Window Well Installation

Gravel Drainage Bed Installation

A 12-inch bed of washed 3/4-inch clear gravel is placed at the base of the window well, connected via perforated pipe to the home’s perimeter weeping tile system. This ensures water entering the well drains to the sump pit rather than pooling against the foundation.

Corrosion-Resistant Well Liner

Heavy-gauge galvanized steel, powder-coated aluminum, or composite polycarbonate well liners are anchored to the foundation wall with stainless steel masonry fasteners. Material selection depends on soil acidity, budget, and whether the well is standard or egress-sized.

Egress Well with Step System

Oversized window wells meeting Ontario Building Code egress requirements (minimum 760mm x 380mm clear opening) are installed with integrated step or ladder systems, allowing emergency exit from below-grade bedrooms.

Polycarbonate Cover with Hinge Mount

UV-stabilized clear polycarbonate covers are custom-fitted and hinge-mounted to the foundation wall, keeping out precipitation and debris while allowing natural light. Covers are easily opened from inside for egress compliance.

How We Deliver Window Well Installation

Measurement

We measure your basement windows and assess the surrounding grade to plan the right window well size and depth.

Excavation

We excavate around the window area and prepare a gravel drainage bed connected to your weeping tile.

Installation

We install the window well, secure it to the foundation, and ensure proper grading away from the house.

Finishing

We add drainage gravel, optional covers, and ensure everything meets code requirements.

Window Well Installation Costs

Honest pricing with no hidden fees. Every quote is customized to your specific needs.

Service Price Range
Standard window well installation $1,500 – $3,500
Egress window well $3,000 – $6,000
Window well cover $200 – $600

Prices vary by project scope. Get an accurate quote with a free inspection.

Get Your Free Quote

What Our Customers Say

★★★★★
“Outstanding job! My basement is finally dry thanks to your team. No more musty smell or moisture problems. A+ service!”
★★★★★
“From the initial appointment to final inspection, service was exceptional. Prompt, professional, and results exceeded expectations.”
★★★★★
“Professional and friendly staff. They solved our leaky basement in no time. The results were fantastic. Basement has been leak-free since the work was done.”

Why Toronto Homeowners Trust Us

25++
Years Experience
5000++
Projects Completed
98%
Satisfaction Rate
25yr
Warranty Available
Our window well installations are performed by licensed, WSIB-covered contractors and comply with Ontario Building Code Sections 9.7 (Windows) and 9.9 (Means of Egress). We carry full liability insurance, and all egress installations include documentation for building permit inspections.

Services That Complement Window Well Installation

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Exterior Waterproofing

Protects your foundation from the outside by stopping water at the source before it reaches your basement.

Learn More →
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Weeping Tile Installation

New weeping tile installation and replacement to restore proper drainage around your foundation.

Learn More →
🏛️

Foundation Waterproofing

Complete foundation waterproofing solutions to protect your home's structural base from water damage.

Learn More →

Window Well Installation Across the GTA

We provide window well installation throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.

Window Well Installation FAQ

If you have below-grade basement windows, window wells are essential for drainage and code compliance. They're required for any basement bedroom as an emergency exit (egress).
Standard window well installation ranges from $1,500-$3,500. Egress window wells (larger, with steps) cost $3,000-$6,000. We provide free quotes for your specific needs.
We recommend covers to keep out debris, rain, and snow. They also provide safety for children and pets. We offer clear polycarbonate covers that still allow natural light in.

Ready for Window Well Installation?

Schedule a free inspection today. Our experts will assess your situation and recommend the best solution.

Get a Free Quote Call (647) 930-9220