Are basement window well covers necessary?
Anyone with below-ground egress windows with window wells should protect them with window well covers. Basement flooding from rain or snow trapped in window wells is a serious problem which is difficult to clean up, and can cause lots of water damage to walls and floors.
How do I keep water out of my basement window wells?
Here’s what you can do to keep as much water away from your house as possible:
- Fix grading to make sure it slopes away from the foundation.
- Keep your gutters clear of debris and in good working condition.
- Extend downspouts away from the house to keep roof runoff from pouring next to the foundation.
What are the basement window wells called?
basement widow well
To put it simply, a basement widow well is a hollowed-out piece of foundation built around the windows in a basement.
What sizes do window well covers come in?
Ultra Protect41 in. x 19 in. Semi-Round Clear Polycarbonate Window Well Cover.
Are window well covers worth it?
The reason you may want a cover for your metal window well is that the window well is simply designed to have problems with drainage and maintenance. Having a cover for your metal window well will help keep the snow, leaves, water, and even animals out. More importantly, it can help with the problems with drainage.
What is the purpose of basement window wells?
However, many basements are fully underground. That’s why there needs to be a basement window well together with the window. This window well supports the earth in the dig-out and prevents dirt from collapsing onto the window. It also allows the window to provide views and ventilation.
Should I put rocks in my window well?
There isn’t really a minimum level of rocks in your window well, but the levels should be appropriate given the depth of it (and going deep is always better). However, the window well should definitely not be overfilled. This increases the risk of flooding and windows breakage.
Should window wells be covered?
At Window Well Experts, we recommend that all window wells be fitted with a proper cover. When you look at the benefits of window wells, almost all of them require a sturdy, leak-proof cover in order to achieve their fullest benefit.
Are window well covers all the same size?
Window well covers come in different shapes and lengths to fit window wells of various sizes. Materials vary also, from polycarbonate to plastic. Certain types and sizes may work better for your window wells, depending on climate, their size, and what you need to keep out of the wells (like pets or children).
Are window well covers a standard size?
Size. The horizontal area of the window well needs to be a minimum of nine square feet, with a minimum horizontal projection and vertical width of 36 inches. Given the math involved, some homeowners may expect the dimensions to be the toughest part of installing a window well.
What is the purpose of a basement window well?
What kind of grate for basement window well?
Our basement window well grates are engineered from attractive high quality tempered aluminum that will hold up to 400 pounds, yet are light enough to allow for easy basement window well egress from your home.
Do you need a steel well cover for a square window?
Steel window well covers for square and rectangular window wells. Features: All steel window well grates are incredibly durable, yet light enough to lift from the inside of the well in case of emergency. If your grate is intended for a high traffic area, you will need a commercial-grade cover that will support up to 100 pounds per square foot.
How big does a steel grate cover need to be?
The commercial steel grate covers support up to 100 pounds per square foot. Provides safety and keeps out most all animals and large debris out of the basement. The steel grate covers can be designed to fit any size rectangle well. Egress code compliant options available.
Can a metal well cover be used in a basement?
Metal window well covers are beautiful and practical. They ensure non-stop ventilation for your basement. Additionally, they allow up to 70% of light penetration. However, crafting an egress-code-compliant metal cover is a challenge for most.