Window well covers are a simple but essential part of your home’s waterproofing and safety systems. Designed to keep out leaves, debris, pests, and water, these covers help protect your basement from flooding, improve indoor air quality, and ensure compliance with local building codes. But like any feature in your home, they require routine maintenance to perform effectively.

If you’ve invested in basement window covers, custom egress window covers, or metal window grates, taking care of them is just as important as choosing the right product. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to maintain your window well system to protect your foundation, improve drainage, and extend the life of your custom covers.

1. Clear Out Debris and Soil Buildup

Leaves, dirt, sand, dust, and even small animals can accumulate inside your basement well covers, creating clogs that block your drainage system and contribute to water accumulation. This can lead to flooding, mold, or even foundation damage if not addressed.

Remove debris by hand or with a shop vacuum—especially in spring and fall.
Trim back nearby yard plants and trees to reduce leaf buildup.
Use a screwdriver or similar tool to remove stuck or heavy debris.
Monitor gravel and soil levels at the base to ensure good water flow.

This simple upkeep task will help prevent costly water damage and maintain the functionality of your basement waterproofing system.

2. Check for Drainage Issues and Snowmelt Overflow

Proper drainage is the backbone of your window well system. Without it, melting snow, heavy rain, or a backed-up storm drain can cause water to seep into your basement. Look for:

Standing water in the well or slow-draining gravel
Signs of mud, mildew, or mold buildup
Overflowing gutters or blocked downspouts nearby

If your drainage system includes a sump pump, French drain, or dry well, test each regularly and check pipes for blockages. In some climates, such as Utah or Colorado, snowmelt can put additional pressure on your system, especially in early spring. Make sure your tile and trench systems are functioning properly during the thaw.

3. Inspect Your Window Well Covers for Damage

Your well cover must be durable enough to handle the weight of snow, debris, or even accidental pressure from someone walking near it. Whether your cover is made of steel, plastic, or polyvinyl chloride, inspect it at least twice a year.

Look for:

Cracks, rust, or corrosion on metal windows or steel window covers
Warped or brittle edges on plastic or polycarbonate covers
Damaged hinges or loose grates
Poorly fitting covers that leave gaps around the window sill or wall

Covers should fit snugly over the window well without affecting accessibility. This is especially important for egress window covers, which must be easy to open from the inside during an emergency.

4. Maintain Gravel and Prevent Drain Clogging

The gravel at the bottom of your window well isn’t just there for looks—it helps move water to the drains below. Over time, though, it can compact, fill with mud, or get clogged with organic debris.

Maintenance tips:

Rake or loosen the gravel to maintain porosity
Remove and clean or replace gravel that’s filled with dirt or leaf debris.
Check for pooling water that may signal deeper issues in the plumbing or drainage.

If your drain is connected to a sump pump or sewer line, make sure these systems are inspected regularly. Damage here can compromise your entire basement waterproofing effort.

5. Address Caulking, Seals, and Liner Gaps

Over time, the seal between your basement window and the foundation wall can degrade. Seasonal expansion, shifting concrete, and poor initial installation can leave gaps that invite water, insects, and even spiders.

How to fix it:

Use high-quality caulk or sealant around the window frame
Reattach any loose liners to prevent water intrusion
.
Inspect for leaks inside your basement floor or along casement window edges.

If you’re noticing recurring issues, it may be time to consider a professional installation or even a full egress window upgrade.

6. Know When to Call in the Experts

While routine cleaning and minor adjustments are manageable with basic tools, larger problems often require professional attention. Contact a pro if you notice:

Persistent water leaks despite cleaning
Structural cracks in the wall or foundation
Cover or ladder damage on your basement egress window
Improper cover fit or non-code-compliant materials

Look for companies that offer solid warranty options, competitive free quote pricing, and reliable customer service.

Protect Your Home with Window Well Solutions

At Window Well Solutions, we understand that maintaining your window well system isn’t just about keeping out debris—it’s about protecting your investment in home safety, waterproofing, and construction quality. Whether you’re in Colorado or Utah, our custom-designed egress well covers, basement window guards, and outside basement window covers are built for performance and longevity. We proudly serve homeowners in Denver, Loveland, Broomfield, Thornton, and Longmont. Our service areas also include Westminster, Brighton, Berthoud, Johnstown, Wellington, and Severance. Wherever you are, our durable solutions ensure lasting protection for your home.

From custom egress window covers to basement well covers that meet every building code requirement, we offer durable, secure solutions designed for every climate and building material. Our products are built to handle the weight of snow, the pressure of seasonal storms, and the daily wear of real-life use.

How to Properly Maintain Your Window Well Covers?