Metal or Steel Grates
for Basement Window Wells
These grates are typically provided with new home
construction by the builder when installing Egress Basement area walls. The grates are put in place to prevent a
person from accidently falling into the well.
This is the least expensive way for a builder to pass building code
requirements.
The drawback for homeowners with these grates is they are heavy
and not easy for a small person to remove in an emergency. Over time they will rust and become a bigger
eye sore. They also require continued maintenance of the well to keep it free
of leaves, debris and occasionally small animals that can easily enter this
open style cover. They offer no
security.
Most homeowners spend
time and money planting landscaping around the exterior foundation to beautify
their home only to be left looking at an ugly metal grate over their window
well. A simple solution is to purchase a
window well cover.
The first function you should consider when
purchasing a basement window well cover is strength.
The cover needs to be able to support weight and disallow
a person to fall through the cover and into the well.
Consider the materials being used to fabricate the
cover. This is a home improvement and
you will want a cover made with high quality materials giving you years of
service.
The cover should allow for air ventilation as you
don’t want to create a greenhouse effect and the ventilation will prevent
condensation building up on the cover.
Light transmission is also a factor; you will want
a cover that allows light but will also hold up in UV conditions.
You may also want to consider security features,
since this is a large and out of site entry point that could be easily targeted
by an unwanted intruder into your home.
Now consider the looks of the cover. Do you want the cover to be bubble like in
shape and stick up for everyone to see?
Of course not, a more aesthetically appealing window well cover will be
low profile and not easily visible by the neighbors or persons passing by on
your front sidewalk or street.
For more information and to view window well covers, please
visit:
