Why Your Window Well Matters as Much as Your Window
Window wells are one of those things homeowners don’t think about — until they leak, fill with leaves, or turn into a mosquito pond. If you’re adding an egress window or upgrading a basement window, the well matters just as much as the window itself. It’s the system around the window that determines whether your basement stays dry long-term.
This guide covers everything you need to know about window wells in Ohio — materials, sizing, covers, drainage, and the common mistakes that cause problems. (For the full picture on egress windows themselves, see our requirements guide and pricing breakdown.)
What Are the Different Window Well Materials?
Corrugated steel. The most common and cost-effective option. Strong when properly installed and anchored. Available in standard sizes that fit most residential applications. Can corrode over decades if water management isn’t addressed.
Composite / polycarbonate. Looks cleaner than metal, resists corrosion entirely, and often comes in more aesthetically pleasing finishes. Higher price point but longer service life in wet conditions. Increasingly popular for finished basement applications where appearance matters.
Poured concrete or block. The most permanent and customizable option. Excellent for deep wells, unusual lot conditions, or situations where a standard manufactured well doesn’t fit. More labor-intensive to install but can be built to any specification. If you’re also dealing with foundation mortar issues, our tuckpointing team often coordinates with well installations on the same project.
Decorative stone or tiered designs. For homeowners who want the window well to look like a landscape feature rather than a utility component. Higher cost but dramatically changes curb appeal. Common on walkout-adjacent installations and higher-end basement finishing projects.
How Do You Size a Window Well for Egress Compliance?
If the window is being used for egress, the well must meet specific requirements beyond “big enough to fit the window.” Ohio code typically requires a minimum of 9 square feet per IRC Section R310 of floor area in the well, a minimum 36-inch projection out from the foundation wall, enough clearance for a person to climb through the window and out of the well, and a permanent ladder or steps if the well depth exceeds 44 inches.
The most common mistake: choosing a well based on what’s cheapest or what fits the tightest space. A too-small well is the number one reason people end up redoing the installation. Size the well for compliance and usability, not minimum cost.
Do Window Well Covers Actually Help?
Covers help with debris (leaves, trash, animals), safety (preventing kids or pets from falling in), and reducing some water entry from direct rainfall. They’re a worthwhile addition for most installations.
What covers don’t do: fix poor drainage. A cover is not a waterproof lid. Water still enters from runoff, soil saturation, and splash-back. If your drainage system isn’t designed correctly, a cover won’t save you. Think of the cover as the last line of defense, not the only line.
Why Drainage Is the Most Important Part of Any Window Well
Window wells collect rainwater, roof runoff, snowmelt, and water draining through surrounding soil. Without a deliberate drainage plan, the well becomes a holding tank that presses water against your basement window — and eventually through it.
A properly drained window well includes a drainage layer at the bottom (typically washed gravel), a drain system that moves water away from the well (the specific method depends on your home’s existing drainage and site conditions — options include footer drain connections, sump tie-ins, or daylight drains), and grading around the well that directs surface water away from the opening.
“Set it and forget it” wells with no drainage plan are the single most common cause of basement water complaints tied to window wells. Every installation we do at Evolve Egress includes drainage appropriate to site conditions as a standard component — not an optional upgrade. (We take the same approach with drainage in our egress window installations and walkout projects.)
When Do You Need a Ladder in Your Window Well?
A permanent ladder or steps is generally required when the well depth exceeds 44 inches from the bottom of the well to grade level. The ladder must be permanently attached (not a removable stepladder), positioned so it doesn’t block the required clearances for the window opening, and usable by someone climbing out in an emergency — including in the dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you add a window well without adding a new window?
Yes. Sometimes homeowners want to improve light, ventilation, or access to an existing basement window by adding or enlarging the well. This is a smaller project than a full egress installation but can still make a meaningful difference in how the basement feels.
My window well keeps filling with water. What’s wrong?
Almost always a drainage issue. Either there’s no drain at the bottom of the well, the existing drain is clogged or disconnected, or surface water is being directed toward the well by grading or downspouts. We can diagnose the specific cause during a free assessment.
Do I need to clean my window wells?
Yes — at least twice a year (spring and fall). Remove leaves, debris, and anything blocking the drain. Check that drainage is flowing freely by pouring a bucket of water in and watching it drain. If it pools, the drain needs attention.
Should I use glass block or an operable window with a well?
Depends on the room’s purpose. Glass block is excellent for security and efficiency in non-sleeping areas. An operable egress window in a well is required for sleeping rooms. Many basements benefit from both — see our glass block vs. egress comparison.
Note: This article is general information. Code requirements and enforcement can vary by jurisdiction and project conditions. Always confirm requirements with your local building department or a qualified professional.
Related Reading
- Ohio Egress Window Requirements (Full Code Guide)
- Egress Window Cost in Ohio: Real Pricing Breakdown
- Egress Window Installation: Step-by-Step Process
- Glass Block vs. Egress Windows: Which Do You Need?
Window well leaking, flooding, or just looking rough? Request a free assessment and we’ll propose the cleanest long-term fix.
Cleveland: (216) 941-5470 | Akron: (330) 449-0513 | Columbus: (614) 852-4608 | Cincinnati: (513) 776-1805