Leaking, Rusted, or Drafty? Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Basement Egress Window
It’s More Than a Window. It’s a Safety System
An egress window is a code-required escape route that can save lives in an emergency. But like any part of your home, it has to be in good working condition to do its job. When an egress window starts to leak, rust, or let in cold air, it’s more than an inconvenience. It’s a sign that your basement may be exposed to water damage, energy loss, and safety risks.
At SafeBasements, we help homeowners throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest protect their homes with egress window replacements that are built to last and designed to seal out the problems that older windows often let in.
1. Leaking or Pooling Water in the Window Well
If you notice standing water in your basement egress window well after it rains, it’s a red flag. While some water might collect during a storm, it should drain away quickly. If it lingers, or worse, begins seeping into the basement, you’re likely dealing with a drainage failure, a cracked frame, or seal damage.
Window wells are especially vulnerable to water intrusion when the surrounding soil becomes oversaturated or if the original drain wasn’t properly installed. Over time, even a small amount of moisture can damage interior walls, weaken nearby framing, and create a perfect environment for mold.
SafeBasements can replace the faulty window and install a new well with proper drainage, including discharge lines that connect to your interior drain tile system. That way, water is carried away from the window instead of seeping into your basement.
2. Drafts and Cold Air Seeping In
A well-installed egress window should seal tightly against the outside elements. But if you’re noticing a constant draft, sudden temperature swings, or cold air pouring in near the window frame, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. Over time, window seals can deteriorate, the frame can warp from moisture exposure, or the installation may not have been done correctly to begin with.
Beyond the discomfort, these air leaks drive up energy bills and reduce the overall efficiency of your home. In Minnesota’s cold climate, that draft isn’t just annoying, it’s costly.
SafeBasements installs modern egress windows with insulated frames, tight seals, and precision installation designed to keep your basement warm, dry, and protected. If you feel a draft, it’s time to look at a replacement, not just for comfort, but for energy savings and long-term peace of mind.
3. Rusted Metal Frames or Window Wells
Rust is one of the most obvious signs that your egress window system is failing. If you see orange-brown streaks along the window frame, well liner, or surrounding concrete, moisture has been present for a while. That rust doesn’t just look bad; it compromises the strength of the materials holding the window in place.
Left alone, a rusted window well can eventually collapse or allow soil and water to spill into the space. A corroded window frame can warp, jam, or separate from the foundation wall entirely. In both cases, your home’s waterproofing and your family’s safety are at risk.
SafeBasements installs rust-resistant window wells and frames built for the Upper Midwest’s wet seasons and freeze-thaw cycles. We don’t just swap out the window; we fix the underlying problems, ensuring proper sealing, drainage, and long-term protection against corrosion.
4. Hard to Open (or Won’t Open at All)
An egress window isn’t doing its job if it can’t open easily. In an emergency, that window is meant to be a fast, reliable escape route. But over time, poor installation, water damage, and frame shifting can make it hard to operate. You might notice sticking, stiffness, or a window that simply won’t budge, no matter how hard you try.
This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a violation of building code and a serious safety hazard. A jammed egress window could trap someone inside during a fire, flood, or gas leak.
SafeBasements ensures every window we install meets egress code and opens smoothly with minimal effort. We also assess whether shifting foundation walls or poor drainage may be contributing to the problem, so the solution is complete and not temporary.
5. Visible Mold, Mildew, or Musty Odors
If your basement smells musty or you’ve spotted mold near or below the egress window, moisture is likely finding its way in. Even small leaks or condensation around the window can lead to long-term humidity issues. Left untreated, this moisture feeds mold growth behind drywall, under carpet, and along wood framing, damaging materials and lowering your home’s air quality.
Because egress windows are cut directly into the foundation wall, any gaps, cracks, or poorly sealed edges can become entry points for water and humidity. And if the original install wasn’t properly waterproofed, the window may have been causing hidden damage for years.
At SafeBasements, we reinforce the surrounding area with proper drainage, sealant systems, and optional wall encapsulation. The result is a dry, healthier basement you can feel confident using year-round.
6. Signs of Insect or Rodent Entry
If you’re noticing bugs, mice, or other pests in your basement, and they seem to be showing up near the egress window, that’s a clear warning sign. Damaged seals, cracked frames, or shifting wells can create small openings that are just big enough for insects or rodents to squeeze through. Once inside, pests often build nests in insulation, leave behind droppings, and create unpleasant odors that are hard to trace.
This kind of entry point also suggests a larger issue with your window’s integrity. Water, air, and pests often use the same vulnerabilities to get in. That means even if you’ve only noticed a few bugs, you may also be at risk for moisture intrusion or energy loss.
SafeBasements replaces compromised windows with tightly sealed, pest-resistant egress systems. Every installation includes precise fitting, weather-resistant materials, and proper drainage to help seal off your basement from the outside world for good.
Don’t Wait for a Major Leak Or an Emergency
An egress window is your basement’s first line of defense against water, weather, and risk. If you’ve noticed leaking, rust, drafts, or difficulty opening the window, now’s the time to act. Replacing a failing egress window not only restores your peace of mind but also protects your home from further damage and brings your basement back into full compliance.
At SafeBasements, we’ve been helping Minnesota homeowners protect their homes for over 35 years. From expert window replacement to full waterproofing and drainage integration, we deliver solutions that last.
Contact us today for a free inspection and find out if your basement window is still keeping you safe.
