Selecting the right window well cover is an important decision that enhances the functionality and safety of your home’s basement. These covers are designed to protect the window well — an essential structural feature that prevents soil from coming into direct contact with basement windows.
Installing a sturdy cover ensures that natural light and fresh air freely enter your basement, but you also maintain a safe and accessible egress point. This is essential for everyday comfort and ensuring a reliable escape route in case of emergencies.
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.
Window well covers are also suitable for snow and water buildups. When selecting a well cover, you’ll have to consider practical concerns, such as ensuring that the cover properly fits both your window well and the window that you’re protecting.
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 on the right cover for your window wells!
Choosing the right window well cover
You’ll need to carefully consider several practical factors, such as ensuring a precise fit for both the window well and the associated basement window. Let’s explore the different types of window well covers and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
By examining the specifics of materials, designs, and installation methods, we’ll provide you with the necessary information to make a well-informed decision tailored to your home’s unique needs and environmental conditions.
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.
These window well covers are practically impenetrable, even in the most severe impacts or falls. At a minimum, these covers 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 share many impressive qualities. Sloped covers are flat and lower to the ground, whereas bubble-shaped covers boast a rounded dome shape.
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 attaches directly 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, kids, or pets from getting into the window well.
However, this isn’t your best option if you live in an area with heavy 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 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. Overall, they’re an 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.
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 your window well’s shape, as most window wells are rounded, but some are rectangular.
Another critical factor is the ease of installation if you install your window well covers yourself.
Give your home the best with Windowell Expressions
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.
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!
