Why is there water coming through my basement window?

Water coming through your basement window is typically caused by poor exterior drainage, damaged window wells, or failing window seals - and it needs immediate attention to prevent foundation damage and mold growth.

The most common culprit in Ottawa homes is improper grading and drainage around the window well. During our spring snowmelt and heavy summer rains, water should flow away from your foundation, but if the grade slopes toward your house or the window well lacks proper drainage, water pools against the window. Over time, this water finds its way through even small gaps in the window frame or overwhelmed weatherstripping.

Window well issues are particularly common in Ottawa's older homes. The well may lack a proper drain system, have a cracked or deteriorated liner, or be filled with debris that prevents drainage. In winter, ice dams can form in the well, and when they melt, the sudden volume of water can overwhelm the window's defenses. Additionally, the window well cover may be missing, damaged, or improperly installed, allowing rain and snow to accumulate directly against the window.

Immediate steps you should take include checking if water is actively entering (if so, place buckets and towels to protect your basement), clearing any visible debris from the window well, and ensuring your downspouts are directing water at least 6 feet away from the foundation. Look for obvious issues like damaged caulking around the window frame or cracks in the window well walls.

However, this isn't typically a DIY fix beyond emergency water management. Proper diagnosis requires determining whether the issue is exterior drainage, window well construction, the window itself, or foundation settling. In Ottawa's clay soil conditions, foundation movement can create gaps that weren't there when the window was installed. Professional waterproofing may involve excavating around the window well, installing proper drainage systems, or even replacing the window with a properly sealed unit.

Don't delay addressing this issue - water infiltration can quickly lead to mold growth in Ottawa's humid summers and can compromise your foundation's integrity over our freeze-thaw cycles. For a proper assessment of your specific situation and a permanent solution, contact Ottawa Basements for a free consultation.