Window Well Installation & Waterproofing

Custom window well installation and waterproofing to protect basement windows from water infiltration.

Window Well Installation — Toronto Waterproofing Experts

Window wells are the semi-circular or rectangular enclosures installed around basement windows that sit below grade. They serve two critical purposes: they allow natural light and emergency egress through basement windows, and — when properly installed — they prevent soil and water from pressing directly against the window frame. When window wells fail, leak, or were never installed correctly in the first place, basement windows become one of the most common water entry points in Toronto homes.

The problem is straightforward: a basement window sits below the surrounding soil level. Without a proper window well, soil sits directly against the window frame, and every rainfall pushes water against the glass, frame, and the seal between the frame and the foundation wall. Even small gaps in a 30-year-old window seal will let water pour into your basement. A properly installed window well with integrated drainage keeps water away from the window entirely.

Benefits of Our Window Well Installation

Integrated drainage prevents water from reaching window frames
Polycarbonate covers block rain, snow, and debris
Egress-compliant options meet Ontario Building Code requirements
Installation completed in one day per window
Galvanized steel or composite materials resist corrosion
Quick-release covers allow emergency exit from basement
Can retrofit drainage into existing wells at lower cost
Allows natural light into basement spaces

Most window well failures in the GTA aren't caused by the well itself — they're caused by poor drainage at the bottom. A window well without a drain is just a concrete or steel bucket that fills with rainwater. We've seen wells with 6 inches of standing water sitting against the window frame, slowly seeping into the basement over days. Every window well we install includes a gravel drainage bed and a drain connection that routes water to the foundation's weeping tile system or a dedicated sump line.

Window well covers are the second layer of protection. A clear polycarbonate cover prevents rain, snow, and debris from entering the well while still allowing light to reach the basement. Covers dramatically reduce the volume of water the drainage system needs to handle and keep leaves and debris from clogging the drain. For egress windows, we install covers with quick-release hardware that allows easy opening from inside in an emergency.

Signs You Need Window Well Installation

Water leaking around basement window frames during rain
Standing water visible in window wells after storms
Window wells filling with leaves, debris, and soil
Rotting or deteriorating window well structures
No drainage gravel or drain at the bottom of wells
Window wells without covers collecting snow and rain
Mould or moisture around basement window frames
Basement windows below grade with no window well installed

Our window well installation process begins with excavating the area around the basement window to a depth 6 inches below the window sill. We install the window well enclosure — galvanized steel or composite material — securing it to the foundation wall with concrete anchors. The bottom of the well is filled with 6-12 inches of clear gravel, and a 4-inch drain pipe connects the gravel bed to your foundation's weeping tile or sump system. This ensures any water that enters the well drains immediately rather than pooling.

For egress windows required by Ontario Building Code in basement bedrooms, we install larger wells that provide the required 760mm clear opening width and 1500mm floor area. Egress wells include a built-in step or ladder that allows occupants to climb out in an emergency. These installations require coordination with the window installer to ensure the window and well meet code requirements together.

Window well installation costs $800-$2,500 per well in Toronto depending on the size, material, and whether drainage needs to be connected to an existing system or a new drain line needs to be run. Standard utility window wells are at the lower end; full-size egress wells with covers, drainage, and steps are at the higher end. Most installations complete in a single day per window. We frequently install window wells as part of larger exterior waterproofing projects, which provides cost savings since the excavation equipment is already on site.

If your existing window wells are leaking, the fix is often simpler than full replacement. We can retrofit drainage into existing wells by excavating the bottom, adding gravel and a drain connection, and installing a cover. Retrofit projects cost less than new installations and solve the immediate water problem without replacing the well structure. We assess your specific situation during a free inspection and recommend the most cost-effective approach.

Not sure what you need? Get a Free Inspection Call (647) 930-9220

How We Deliver Window Well Installation

Window Assessment

We inspect each basement window, measure dimensions, assess current drainage, and determine whether new wells or retrofit drainage is needed.

Excavation & Installation

The area around the window is excavated, the window well enclosure is secured to the foundation wall, and a gravel drainage bed is installed at the bottom.

Drainage Connection

A 4-inch drain pipe connects the gravel bed to your weeping tile system or sump line, ensuring water exits the well immediately.

Cover Installation & Testing

A polycarbonate cover with appropriate hardware is fitted to the well. We test drainage by filling the well with water and verifying proper flow.

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
1500+
Projects Completed
98%
Satisfaction Rate
25yr
Warranty Available

Services That Complement Window Well Installation

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Exterior Basement Waterproofing

Comprehensive exterior foundation protection with membranes and drainage to prevent water from reaching your basement.

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🔄

Weeping Tile Installation

Professional weeping tile and French drain systems to redirect water away from your foundation.

Learn More →
🔧

Foundation Crack Repair

Professional crack injection and repair services to seal foundation cracks and prevent water intrusion.

Learn More →

Window Well Installation Across the GTA

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

Window Well Installation FAQ

Window well installation costs $800-$2,500 per well depending on size, material, and drainage requirements. Standard utility wells with drainage and cover start at $800. Full egress wells with steps, drainage, and covers range from $1,500-$2,500.
Absolutely. A window well without drainage is a bucket that fills with water against your window. Every well we install includes a gravel bed and drain connection to your weeping tile or sump system. This is the most critical component for preventing leaks.
Ontario Building Code requires egress window wells to have a minimum 760mm clear opening width, 1500mm floor area, and a depth that allows the window to fully open. Wells deeper than 600mm require a step or ladder. We design egress wells to meet all code requirements.
Often, yes. If the well structure is sound, we can retrofit drainage by excavating the bottom, adding gravel and a drain connection, and installing a cover. This costs less than full replacement and solves the water problem. We assess during a free inspection.

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