Many factors go into selecting the right window well cover for your home’s window well. A window well cover is a material designed to go over the window well, which is a hole in the ground that keeps the earth away from the basement window, allowing light, ventilation, and egress.
Window wells are an essential part of many basements. Equally important is the window well cover that protects the inside of the window well.
About Window Well Covers
Window well covers come in various shapes and are usually made of plastic or metal. The material determines how sturdy the window well cover is. Plastic is ideal if you’re looking for light, while metal is better for preventing children or animals from falling in. Both kinds can prevent injury if you purchase heavy-weight plastic.
Window well covers serve a variety of purposes. As we mentioned in the last paragraph, they can prevent falls into the basement window. But they’re also suitable for buildups of snow and water.
When selecting a well cover, you’ll have to consider practical concerns, such as ensuring that your cover properly fits both your window well and the window that you’re protecting.
After all, your window well provides your basement with protection and can serve as a secret exit in case of an emergency. Treat your window well the same way you treat other parts of your home and secure it with a cover.
But what kind of window well cover should you get? That depends on what you need. The rest of this blog covers the different types of window well covers and explores the pros and cons of each kind. We hope this blog helps you decide what type of window well cover to get for your window wells!
Atrium and Slant Dome Covers
Dome window well covers sit above ground level and are ideal for windows and vents. These covers are perfect for casement-style windows that crank outward from the building.
Even if you have a basement window that’s entirely below ground level, there’s much to like about a dome-shaped cover, including its picturesque appearance from your home’s curb appeal. Dome window wells are typically constructed of sturdy polycarbonate and can hold over 400 pounds of weight.
As you can see, these window well covers are practically impenetrable, even in the most severe impacts or falls. At a minimum, these covers can remain in top condition for a decade without facing any discoloration.
Sloped and Bubble-Shaped Window Well Covers
Both sloped and bubble-shaped window well covers are popular among homeowners, and they share many impressive qualities. Sloped covers are flat and lower to the ground, whereas bubble-shaped covers boast a rounded dome-shaped.
They both prevent water damage to your home and window well by shedding water, snow, and ice away. Additionally, both sloped and bubble-shaped window well covers are easy to maintain; they merely require a quick spray with a hose.
Flat Window Well Covers
Flat covers are the most self-explanatory of all the various kinds of window well covers. Lying flat on the ground, this type of cover is the best way to keep water, dirt, debris, and rodents out of your window and, by extension, out of your home.
Although flat covers don’t shed water away from your home like other types of window well covers, they are durable, easy to clean, and customizable to fit your window perfectly. They also let plenty of natural light into your basement.
Grate Window Well Covers
A grate window well cover can be attached to the window well frame, allowing it to lie flat over the window well. This is an excellent option if you want to keep large objects or kids or pets from getting into the window well. It will keep the kiddos and Rover safe.
However, this isn’t your best option if you live in an area with lots of rain, snow, sleet, etc. While grates are durable and can withstand a lot, they won’t keep snow or rain out of your window well. They might also block light from getting in.
Grate window well covers are usually made of stainless steel, aluminum, or wrought iron.
Polycarbonate Window Well Covers
Clear window well covers are generally made of polycarbonate. These window well covers are adjustable, strong, and see-through while protecting your window wells. They’re also easy to install and can withstand 400 pounds of weight being placed on them. They’re an overall excellent choice.
Clear window well covers are a great option if you’re concerned about light getting into your basement. Maybe that’s where the kids’ rooms are, or your tenants want a home with natural light flowing in through the windows. Either way, these window well covers will do the trick.
Considerations for Your Window Well Cover
The most crucial factor to remember when shopping for a window well cover is the size of your basement window well.
Each window well cover on this list has slightly different dimensions, so be careful when making your final choice. Moreover, you’ll need to consider the shape of your window well, as most window wells are rounded, but some are rectangular.
Another critical factor is the ease of installation if you’re installing your window well covers by yourself.
If you’re looking to cover your window well, contact Windowell Expressions. We have yet to meet a window well that we couldn’t cover, so give us a call today at 801.474.7835, or schedule an appointment via our website.
We offer free, 15-minute phone consultations where we can determine what will best meet your needs, as well as a free, at-home estimate, where we’ll measure your window wells and ensure your choice will work for your window wells.
We’re here to make window well installation as simple and easy as possible, so you can protect your window wells and move on with your day. We look forward to serving you!
