Window wells
Protect Your Ground-Level Windows
Prevent basement water infiltration with window wells installed to code, fully drained into your French drain system.
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What is a window well
A retaining wall for your low-set windows
A window well is a galvanized steel or polymer structure anchored to your foundation, around a window located at or below ground level. It acts as a retaining wall between the surrounding soil and the window while channeling water into your French drain.
A poorly installed window well — or the absence of one — is one of the most common causes of basement water infiltration in the Greater Montreal area.
Why Install a Window Well
Four key reasons why a properly designed window well is essential for any foundation with ground-level windows.
Prevents water pooling
Without a window well, rainwater and snowmelt collect against the window and eventually leak into the basement.
Keeps out soil, leaves and debris
The window well acts as a retaining wall that prevents soil, leaves and snow from blocking the window.
Required by code
If your window is at or below grade, a window well is required by the building code.
Safe emergency egress
A properly designed window well provides a quick exit from the basement in case of emergency.
Components
The 4 elements of a complete system
An effective window well isn't just a wall — it's a system integrated with your foundation drainage.
Window well & cover
Galvanized steel or polymer well anchored to the foundation, with a cover that keeps debris and animals out.
3/4" net gravel
Washed crushed stone that fills the bottom of the well to allow water to drain quickly through the system.
Inspection port (cleanout)
Inspection conduit that lets us camera-scope the French drain and detect any blockages.
French drain connection
Water collected in the well is directed into the foundation French drain, then sent to the sump pit or storm sewer.
Process
Our Installation Process
Inspection and planning
Assessment of the window, grade level and existing drainage to determine the right well size.
Excavation
Excavation around the window down to the French drain to prepare for well installation.
Window well installation
The well is mechanically anchored to the foundation and the joint is sealed with the proper sealant.
Drainage connection
3/4" gravel and an inspection port are installed, and everything is directly tied into the French drain.
Backfill and finish
Layered backfill, cover installation and final site cleanup.
Why Trust Us With Your Window Wells
Foundation drainage specialists
Our team works on French drains, foundation cracks and waterproofing every day — the window well is part of a complete system.
Building-code compliant
All our installations meet current standards for ground-level windows and emergency egress.
Inspection port installed by default
You can camera-inspect your French drain anytime without having to excavate.
Workmanship warranty
Work performed by accredited technicians, with a written warranty on the installation.
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A question right now?438-795-8900info@fondationsgl.ca
Frequently asked questions
Is a window well mandatory?
If your window is at ground level or lower, the building code requires a window well.
Why does water come in through my basement window?
Without a window well, or with a poorly installed one, rain and snowmelt build up against the window and end up in the basement. It's one of the most common causes of leaks in the Montréal area.
Does a window well need to be connected to the French drain?
Yes. We fill the bottom with 3/4 in. clean gravel, install an inspection port and connect the well to the French drain: the water goes to the sump pump or storm sewer instead of sitting against the window.
What is a window well made of?
Galvanized steel or polymer, fastened to the foundation, with a cover that keeps debris and animals out.
How much does a window well installation cost?
The price depends on the size of the window, its depth and the existing drainage. The estimate visit is free, with no deposit: book it online in 30 seconds.
Is there a grant for a window well?
In Montréal, the City's RénoPlex program pays a set amount per window well, most useful as part of a larger project. See our Grants page.