What is the Best Type of Window Well Cover?

If you’re a homeowner looking to protect your basement and boost your home’s safety, you’ve likely asked yourself: what is the best type of window well cover? This question is more important than many realize. A properly chosen window well cover can mean the difference between a dry, safe basement and one that’s vulnerable to water damage,, debris, and even intruders.

In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of the two most common options – polycarbonate window well covers and steel grates – to determine the best window well cover for safety, durability, convenience, and overall performance.

Why You Need the Best Window Well Cover

Before we compare materials, let’s quickly recap why it’s worth investing in the best basement window well cover in the first place. Window wells are vulnerable areas that can collect water, debris, and even wildlife. Without a proper cover, they also become potential fall hazards and entry points for burglars.

The best way to cover a window well is with a solution that offers strength, transparency, weather resistance, and security. But not all covers are created equal, and the material you choose plays a big role in the cover’s performance.

Steel Grates: The Traditional Approach

Steel grates have long been a common option for window well coverage. They’re typically heavy, industrial-looking, and consist of crossbar metal designs that sit over the top of the well.

Pros:

• Load bearing: Steel grates can support significant weight, preventing falls.
• Durable: Resistant to warping and UV exposure.
• Simple to install.

Cons:

• No protection from rain, snow, or debris.
• Allows animals to fall in and get trapped.
• Offers no insulation or temperature regulation.
• Can rust over time without proper treatment.
• Very heavy: Difficult to remove quickly in an emergency.

For those who prioritize sheer strength and aren’t concerned about moisture or aesthetics, steel may seem like the best material for window well cover. However, its drawbacks – particularly weight and lack of coverage – limit its effectiveness.

Polycarbonate Window Well Covers: The Modern Solution

If you’re looking for the best window well cover in terms of functionality and modern design, polycarbonate window well covers rise to the top. These covers are made from UV-treated, high-impact plastic engineered to withstand pressure and the elements.

Advantages of Polycarbonate Covers

1. Shatter Resistance

Polycarbonate is known for its toughness. It’s the same material used in airplane windows and riot shields. This means your cover will hold up against hail, falling branches, and attempted intrusions without cracking or breaking. It’s arguably the best material for window well cover when durability meets transparency.

2. Heavy Duty Strength

Despite being lightweight, polycarbonate covers  of the right thickness and reinforced with an aluminum frame can withstand heavy snow loads. designed to be load-bearing. When built properly, they can withstand the weight of a child or adult, protecting against falls. This makes them a safe choice for families and pet owners.

3. Let in Sunlight

A major benefit of polycarbonate covers is their transparency. Unlike steel grates that cast shadows and block natural light, polycarbonate allows full-spectrum light into your basement. For homeowners seeking the best basement window well cover, the ability to maintain a bright, inviting basement space is essential.

4. Lightweight and Removable

Ease of egress is one of the most critical aspects of any window well cover. In case of fire or another emergency, basement windows must act as escape routes. The best type of window well cover must be easy to remove quickly and without tools.

Polycarbonate covers are significantly lighter than steel, making them easy for anyone to lift from inside the basement or outside the home. This feature is what sets them apart as the best way to cover window well without compromising emergency accessibility.

5. Weather Protection

With a properly sloped design, polycarbonate covers shed water, snow, and debris away from your foundation. This helps reduce basement flooding and water damage from overflowing gutters that can pour water directly into the window well. The slope ensures that precipitation runs off naturally away from the house. 

6. Wind-Proof and Secure

Many polycarbonate covers can be fitted with wind-resistant locks or clips. Some even include internal locking systems that secure the cover from the inside, acting as a deterrent against break-ins. If you’re searching for the best window well cover for peace of mind, security is a must.

7. Breathability and Ventilation

Contrary to concerns about sealing off the basement, quality polycarbonate window well covers are designed to allow airflow. Tiny vent gaps or smart design ensure that your basement window well doesn’t become too humid, while still blocking water and debris.

8. Rust-Free Longevity

Unlike steel, polycarbonate with an aluminum frame won’t rust or corrode. The UV-treatment is a must so that it maintains its clarity and strength over time, requiring minimal maintenance. This long-lasting quality makes it one of the best basement window well cover options for those looking to install it and forget it.

Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Covers

Even when choosing polycarbonate as the best type of window well cover, the final performance still depends heavily on whether the cover is custom-made or purchased off-the-shelf. While it may be tempting to grab a one-size-fits-all solution from your local hardware store, it’s worth considering the significant differences between mass-produced and custom-fitted covers.

Off-the-Shelf Covers

These are pre-manufactured in standard shapes and sizes to fit the most common window well dimensions. They are more affordable upfront and can be installed quickly without professional help. However, they often leave gaps, shift out of place, use less thick or strong materials, or fail to align with the exact contour of your window well. This can reduce their effectiveness at keeping out weather, debris, and overall aesthetic appeal.

Additionally, many off-the-shelf covers do not hold as much weight or include locking mechanisms. This can pose safety and security concerns for homeowners seeking the best way to cover window well with peace of mind.

Custom Covers

A custom-fabricated polycarbonate cover is made specifically for your home. Professionals measure the exact dimensions of your window wells and cut the cover using CNC routing technology for a perfect fit. These covers are shaped to match the curve or angle of your well and include tailored features such as sloped drainage, internal locks, and heavy duty  strength.

Custom covers also offer more design options. Whether your wells are rectangular, curved, or unusually sized, custom work ensures the cover functions as intended and blends seamlessly with your home’s exterior.

From a long-term perspective, custom covers are the smarter investment. They offer better durability, improved functionality, and fewer maintenance issues. For anyone serious about installing the best window well cover, a tailored approach is essential.

Local Expertise Matters

When searching online for “the best window well cover near me,” look for local experts who understand the regional climate and building codes. In places like Colorado, custom polycarbonate window well covers must be designed to withstand snow loads, wind, and intense UV exposure.

One great example is Windows Well Covered, a Colorado-based family business that custom-builds polycarbonate covers. Their products check every box: shatter-resistant, load-bearing, sloped, secure, breathable, and egress-friendly.

So, What is the Best Type of Window Well Cover?

Taking everything into account, polycarbonate emerges as the clear winner. When professionally manufactured and installed, it is:

• Strong enough to support weight and prevent falls
• Lightweight enough for emergency egress
• Transparent to allow sunlight into your basement
• Resistant to cracking, rust, and weather extremes
• Customizable to fit your exact needs
• Secure against theft and animal entry

While steel grates may appeal to those seeking brute strength and simplicity, they fall short in crucial areas like weather protection, emergency use, and aesthetics. For homeowners prioritizing both function and form, polycarbonate is undeniably the best type of window well cover.

Final Thoughts

Your home is one of your most important investments. Choosing the best window well cover isn’t just about protection, it’s about enhancing safety, preserving value, and creating a more comfortable living space.

With polycarbonate, you get a window well cover that offers:

• Long-term durability
• Improved light and aesthetics
• Safer outdoor spaces for kids and pets
• Peace of mind against intruders
• Protection from the elements

Whether you’re safeguarding a new build or upgrading an older property, selecting the best material for window well cover makes all the difference. Don’t settle for outdated solutions. Choose the cover that checks every box.

Still wondering what is the best type of window well cover? Now you know: custom polycarbonate covers deliver unbeatable performance in every category.

Protect your home. Brighten your basement. Choose the best.