If you’re noticing water pooling around your basement window, peeling paint on your foundation wall, or unexplained moisture in your lower level, the culprit might be your window well liner. Though often overlooked, a failing liner is a common issue that can lead to more than just cosmetic problems—it can compromise your home’s structural integrity and even cause basement flooding.
Understanding how to spot the signs of a failing liner and what steps to take next can help you protect your home and maintain a leak-free basement.
Why Window Well Liners Matter?
A window well liner is designed to keep soil in place, manage water flow, and protect your window from excess water. When it fails, water may seep into your basement, putting pressure on the foundation wall and leading to structural issues, increased humidity, and even mold growth.
Properly functioning liners are a key part of your basement waterproofing system, especially when paired with a window well cover, window well drains, and a well-designed drain pipe or exterior drain tile system.
Signs Your Window Well Liner Is Failing
Keeping your basement dry starts with a thorough inspection of your window well area. Here are the most common red flags that indicate liner failure:
1. Visible Deterioration
Cracks or crumbling in the liner
Gaps forming between the liner and the foundation wall
Rust, warping, or severe discoloration
Fading or brittle material due to UV exposure
2. Moisture and Water Seepage
Water accumulation inside the well or near the window
Damp drywall, peeling paint, or water stains near your basement window
Natural light blocked by dirt, debris, or a collapsed liner
3. Soil Erosion or Drainage Issues
Eroding soil spilling into the well
Clogged or non-functional window well drains
Poor proper drainage that leads to recurring basement flooding
What to Do About It?
If you suspect your liner is failing, it’s important to act quickly to avoid larger problems. Here’s what you should do next:
1. Assess and Inspect
Check the liner, well, and surrounding area for visible signs of damage or poor water management. Look for pooling water, sagging walls, or compromised drain systems.
2. Maintain and Seal
If the damage is minor, apply new sealant after cleaning and drying the surface. Re-caulk any gaps to prevent water seepage, and clear out the well to allow for better natural light and air flow.
3. Replace the Liner
For major issues, a window well liner replacement may be necessary. Choose durable materials like fiberglass, plastic, or metal, and ensure proper installation with an effective drainage plan.
Replacement often includes:
Removing the old liner
Installing a new liner fitted to your window and well
Adding a window well cover to keep out debris and rain
Verifying that the drain pipe or sump pump connection is functional
4. Address Drainage
Your liner is only as good as the drainage behind it. Make sure your exterior drain tile system is working, and consider installing a sump pump if you’re frequently battling water pooling.
Set Up a Maintenance Routine
Regular window well maintenance is the best way to avoid emergencies. Incorporate these steps into your maintenance routine:
Clean out debris at least twice a year
Inspect for cracking or pulling away from the foundation wall
Ensure your window well drains and drain pipes are clear
Check the fit and seal of your window well cover
Maintaining your liner is key to preventing costly repairs and keeping your basement dry year-round.
Let Window Well Solutions Handle It
At Window Well Solutions, we specialize in window well liner replacement and full drainage solutions that restore your basement’s integrity and keep water out. Serving Fort Collins, Denver, and surrounding areas—including Severance, Brighton, Loveland, Wellington, Thornton, Longmont, Westminster, Berthoud, Broomfield, and Johnstown, we deliver:
High-durability liners in a variety of materials
Custom installations for any window size or style
Drainage upgrades, including sump pumps and exterior tile systems
Full-service care, from inspection to maintenance
We understand how frustrating basement flooding and water seepage can be, which is why we focus on efficient, long-lasting solutions that bring real peace of mind.
Contact us today for a free estimate and find out how a new window well liner can transform your home and protect your investment.