When the rust has won, we replace it right.

A rusted-through well can’t be patched or painted; it needs to be replaced to properly keep dirt out and let light in. We’d rather tell you that upfront than take your money on a fix that won’t last. The only real solution is a full replacement, done right, by hand.

The truth about rusted wells.

We’re often the ones delivering bad news on this one. Here’s what’s really happening and what your options actually are.

Why is my window well rusting?

Almost always one of two things: the bolts attaching the well to your foundation are touching the rebar in your concrete, or the well itself is touching the metal window buck. Either way, it creates an electrical connection with your home’s ground — a process called electrolysis. The well is the least “noble” metal in that equation (resistant to corrosion or oxidation), and it’s sitting in moist dirt. It’s the first thing to break down. By the time rust shows through on the inside, the back side has already taken most of the damage.

Can it be patched or painted?

No, and painting it is actually the worst thing you can do. If the well is touching the window buck, paint won’t stop the rust. It’ll bleed through within a season, and as the well shifts with Colorado’s temperature swings, the paint peels. The only real fix is a slightly larger replacement well.

Can a stone liner cover it up?

Only if the rust is very minimal. Our liners are beautiful and permanent, but they attach to the well surface — if the well is significantly rusted or structurally compromised, a liner won’t solve the problem and eventually the well will still need to be replaced. We’ll tell you honestly at your free estimate which solution makes sense for your situation.

Galvanized steel well rusted through from electrolysis.

Window well replacement that is sound and holds back the dirt (and able to anchor a beautiful window well liner)

A labor-intensive job, done by hand.

When we do a well replacement, the old well is completely dug out by hand. If you have a concrete patio or sidewalk within 12–18 inches of the well, we may need to cut and remove a section of concrete to create enough room to dig out the old well and install the new one properly. We don’t cut corners on this; we install the well level and plumb the first time so you won’t have to think about again.

01 Remove the old well

The existing well is fully excavated by hand. Concrete is cut and removed where needed to give us proper working room.

02 Install the new well

A new fiberglass-composite well is set level and plumb. Drainage and backfill are done correctly to prevent future water issues.

03 Egress and safety

Built-in safety steps or an egress ladder are installed where required. Every replacement meets egress code requirements.

04 Clean up

We clean up completely when we’re done. You’d barely know we were there — except for the new well.

Boman-Kemp steel & Rockwell fiberglass egress wells.

We install high durable steel or fiberglass-composite window wells whenever we replace old or failing wells. The Boman-Kemp and Rockwell window wells are build to last, egress-compliant, and a significant upgrade from the generic wells most homes were built with.

Rockwell Series

A stone texture that truly looks and feels like real stone — cast from fiberglass composite for the durability of a manufactured product with the warmth of natural material. Built-in safety steps make emergency egress easy without a separate ladder. The open design makes basement rooms feel larger and brighter.

Boman-Kemp Easy Well

A clean white, look on its own, or an excellent base for one of our custom polyurethane window well liners. Made from durable galvanized steel. Egress ladders are provided where required.

Window well replacement FAQ

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help and happy to answer any questions.

How do I know if my window well needs replacement instead of a liner?

If your well has rusted through, lost structural integrity, or is pulling away from the foundation, a liner won’t solve the problem. If the rust is minimal and the well is still solid, a liner may be a great option. We’ll assess your wells at the free estimate and tell you honestly which route makes sense. We won’t upsell you on a replacement if a liner will do the job.

Why did my original window well rust through?

Most likely electrolysis, an electrical reaction between the steel well and the rebar in your foundation, accelerated by Colorado’s moisture and soil conditions. It’s a common problem with galvanized steel wells, especially in homes built before the 1990s. The fiberglass wells we install today don’t have this problem.

What kind of wells do you install?

We install the Rockwell Series (stone texture, built-in safety steps, available in tan and grey) and the Denali Series (smooth soft texture, egress ladder included, available in white). Both are fiberglass composite and egress-compliant.

Do you handle the digging?

Yes, we handle everything. The old well is dug out by hand, concrete is cut and removed where needed, the new well is installed level and plumb, and we clean up when we’re done.

How long does a replacement take?

Many replacements are completed in a single day, depending on the complexity of the replacement. Lead time from estimate to installation varies; call us for current scheduling availability.

Can you install a stone liner on the new well too?

Absolutely, and it’s a great combination. A new Rockwell or Denali well with one of our polyurethane stone liners gives you the most finished, permanent result possible. Ask about bundling both at your free estimate.

Do you work outside the Denver metro area?

We serve the entire Colorado Front Range, from Fort Collins to Denver and down to Colorado Springs. Plus up to Cheyenne and Laramie Wyoming, if you’re unsure whether we cover your area, give us a call.

Not sure if you need a full replacement? You might just need a liner.