When it comes to using your windowell, you want to make sure it looks nice but you also want to make sure it is functional. As an egress or emergency escape, for family members in the basement of your home, you want to make sure everyone can get out easily and safely.

If your window well is a certain size and depth, you may need a window well ladder. If you thought you had plenty of options when it came to your window well liner, or your window well cover, you’ll be pleased to know there are really just two options for window well ladders — built-in or attachable. So, which is better?

First off, if your window well is deeper than 44 inches you’ll need an egress ladder. You should always double check the codes for your area too.

When it comes to attachable window well ladders, you’re probably looking at options that hook over the lip of your window well. These types of ladders are great because they are very easy to install and assemble. However, because they are easy to install and attach, that means they can be easily removed. This isn’t a problem as long as it is promptly put back into place. If you remove the ladder for whatever reason and tend to be forgetful, an attachable window well ladder may not be the best option for you. Another concern is the stability of the ladder while people are trying to use it. Give the ladder a test run to make sure it doesn’t move back and forth, shake, or rattle while climbing. In the event of an emergency, your family members will be frazzled enough. The last thing they’ll want to worry about is a rickety ladder.

Built-in window well ladders are going to have the opposite advantages and disadvantages of attachable ones. When you choose a built-in ladder you want to make sure you like it and it works well because once it’s installed and attached it’s not going anywhere! This is great if you’re happy with it, but not so great if you aren’t. This means that in the case of an emergency, you won’t have to worry about the ladder moving around, which can put your mind at ease.

Both ladders are great options. It’s up to you to decide which is best for your family. Remember that no matter which type of window well ladder you choose, you and your family members should be using it regularly as you practice your emergency escape plans. This is one way to ensure that everyone knows the plan and can stick to it in case of an emergency.

If you are looking for a new egress window well cover, let the experts at Windowell Expression help you out. Whether you’re looking for a metal grate window well cover, a clear window well cover, or a custom window well cover, you’ll find what you need at their store. Rather than shopping from Lowe’s window well cover options or window well covers from Amazon, choose to shop the window well covers near you — from local Utah company Windowell Expressions.