Is a window well grate a good choice for covering your home’s window wells? While you should consider all of the choices available, including many types of window well covers, grates provide some unique benefits that covers do not.
Following are four reasons you should consider the advantages of installing grates above your home’s windows.
Long-Term Safety Measure
Grates are sturdy and fitted to the size of your window well. Open wells are safety hazards for pets, children and even adults, and metal grates eliminate this risk. They are made with rust-resistant materials and designed to last for years.
Easy Interior Access
While most window well covers are permanently placed over the well openings, grates include convenient opening mechanisms that allow homeowners to lift the grate easily from the inside. The opening hatch can be installed to coincide with a safety exit ladder so occupants can exit quickly in case of a fire. Depending on the product, you may also be able to prop open the hatch when needed.
Even though the grate can open, it does not pose a security risk to your home. The hatch can be securely locked from the inside to deter potential intruders, and the heavy-duty construction adds another level of defense against burglars seeking entry to your home.
Natural Light and Air Infiltration
Clear window well covers may allow light to enter your home, but grates offer the same plus another benefit: ventilation. Airflow is important for basements, especially spaces that are finished and used regularly as bedrooms or living areas.
A cross breeze can help reduce and eliminate dust and other allergens that bother your family members. The egress windows can be opened, and the grates allow fresh outdoor air to enter without the need to lift the cover off of the well’s opening. In this case, a window well grate is more convenient when compared to a cover because of how it positively effects lower level living.
Less Snow and Ice Accumulation
In the harsh winter months, covers can accrue a heavy load of snow and ice buildup. While high-quality covers are built to withstand the pressure, it can prevent natural light from entering the lower level. Heavy snow can also wear down the product over time.
A window well grate is the perfect solution, as snow and ice fall through the cracks, with the moisture disappearing through the well’s drainage system. Without consistent pressure weighing down the metal grate, it has the potential to last for years on end.
Contact Windowell Expressions to find out more about the many solutions available to increase the safety and functionality of your window wells. A fitted window well grate could make a positive difference in your home’s overall safety, comfort and convenience.