Why Install Window Well Covers?

Window well covers are sheets of material that cover the entrance to a basement door or window. Usually transparent with a latch that enables you to open and close it easily, window well covers are designed with safety and security in mind.

Window well covers can prevent injury from accidentally falling into the well and offer better security from break-ins. They also prevent cold, water, snow, dirt, and debris from getting into the basement.

Keep reading to learn more about window well covers, including what they are and whether window well covers are a good idea.

Are Window Well Covers a Good Idea?

Window well covers are a good idea for homeowners who have an exterior basement entrance or window on their property. Usually made from plastic, metal, or a combination of both, they cover the opening where the window, well, or entrance is and contain a lockable latch.

Window well covers are popular because they provide extra security against break-ins. They usually only have an interior lock, so they can’t be opened by an intruder outside the home. They also make it harder for intruders to break the basement window to gain access to your home.

Well coverings are also beneficial for homeowners because they prevent rainwater and snow from building up inside the well and leaking into the basement. They also protect the basement entrance from dirt and debris, offering a cleaner aesthetic.

Depending on how robust the window covering is, they can also offer better insulation for your basement. Transparent plastic covers made from polyethylene or polycarbonate are the best types of materials for well coverings. They keep out drafts while still allowing sunlight to enter through the window.

Should You Cover Window Wells in Winter?

Yes, window wells to the basement should be covered in winter, autumn, and/or during rainy seasons. It’s a good idea to cover window wells year-round with a custom-fit cover made from steel or plastic.

When you don’t have a window well covering, the entrance can build up with snow or rainwater during poor weather. This can cause damp, leaks, and flooding in the basement whenever it rains or snows. It can also make the well look messy when dirt, debris, and weeds start growing in the uncovered space.

What Are Window Well Covers Called?

Window well covers are often called well caps, window well grates, or plastic window well coverings. There are various types of window well covers you can get made from different materials, including:

• Dome, bubble-shaped coverings – Usually transparent and made from plastic, dome caps are raised off the ground and cover the entire well/window
• Sloped well covers – These types of well covers are sloped downwards from the wall to the ground to help water run off the surface
• Flat window well coverings – Are coverings that are flat and level with the ground and protect the well from dirt, debris, and moisture
• Grate well covers – Best for safety and security, grate caps cover the well to prevent large objects, animals, or people from falling into the well and provide extra security to the basement window or door

Most well caps come in standard sizes, but it’s often best to purchase a custom-fit well covering to perfectly suit your entrance. This ensures you get the most out of your cover, as the entire area will be protected from rainwater, drafts, and debris.

When choosing the best type of material for your window well covering, consider what’s most practical for your home and what offers the best aesthetic for your property. For example, flat window well coverings are inconspicuous and unnoticeable, but will require routine sweeping to remove build-ups of leaves.

Benefits of Installing Window Well Covers

Installing window well covers is a good idea to prevent flooding in your basement, keep your basement warmer, and reduce home maintenance. Keep reading to learn the main benefits of covering window wells in winter and the rest of the year.

1.  Reduces Maintenance

Basement wells can quickly build up with dirt and debris, especially during autumn. They are also prone to overgrowth, which can make your home look messy if it’s not routinely cleared. Installing a covering protects the well from weeds and debris, reducing the maintenance you need to do to keep the entrance looking nice.  

2.  Increases Security

Well coverings provide an extra layer of security to a basement entrance and protect the window from being broken. The best types of window well coverings to increase security and prevent intruders are metal or steel grate coverings. These are extremely difficult to break into, especially when compared with plastic coverings, and usually only have a lock accessible from inside the home.

3.  Prevents Flooding

A custom-fit window well covering with suitable insulation can protect a basement from damp and flooding when it rains or snows. The best types of window well coverings for damp protection include closed, dome-shaped, bubble-shaped, or sloped covers. Flat well coverings can also offer better insulation and protection against floods, but only when sealed properly.

Summary

Window well covers are a good idea for homeowners, especially if you have poor insulation in the basement or if the area you live in experiences heavy rainfall or snow for periods of the year. They provide better insulation and protection against flooding, while also offering better security against break-ins.

When you choose the right covering for your well, you can also boost your curb appeal and make your basement entrance look nicer from the exterior. Since wells are prone to dirt, debris, and weed overgrowth, a covering can make the area look nicer and reduce the maintenance you need to do.