An undersized egress window well in Bettendorf, Iowa replaced with a larger, code-compliant well and protective cover — restoring a safe basement escape route and keeping water away from the foundation.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Date posted: July 26, 2026
Service: Egress window well replacement
Location: Bettendorf, Iowa
Problem: Undersized window well compromising a safe basement escape route and drainage
Solution: Removed the undersized well and installed a larger, code-compliant well with a new protective cover and proper drainage
Window well: Larger, code-compliant, with protective cover
Completion status: Completed
Project photos
Project overview
A properly sized egress window well is about more than appearance—it’s an important part of a safe basement escape route. On this project in Bettendorf, Iowa, we removed an undersized window well and installed a larger code-compliant well with a new protective cover.
Proper drainage is just as important as proper sizing. Without adequate drainage, water can collect in the well, increasing the risk of basement leaks and placing unnecessary pressure against the window. A well-designed egress system helps improve safety, keeps water moving away from the home, and protects your basement for years to come.
If your existing window well is too small, damaged, or holds water after heavy rains, it may be time for an upgrade. Behncke Construction proudly serves homeowners throughout the Quad Cities with professional egress window installation and replacement.
Project details
The existing well was too small to meet egress requirements and didn’t drain well. It was removed and replaced with a larger, code-compliant well sized for a safe escape route, fitted with a new protective cover and proper drainage so water is directed away from the window and foundation instead of collecting in the well.
What homeowners should know
An egress window well isn’t just a liner around the window — it’s part of a code-required escape route. It has to be big enough for a person to climb out and for a first responder to climb in, which usually means a well that projects far enough from the wall and includes a ladder or steps when it’s deep.
Drainage is the other half. A well that holds water after heavy rain puts pressure on the window and feeds basement leaks. A proper well drains at the base, tied into the foundation’s drainage, and a cover keeps out debris, rain, and leaves while still allowing escape.
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Learn more about our egress windows and basement waterproofing, or browse more recent projects.
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