When it comes to protecting your home, the smallest details matter the most. A basement window well cover might not be the first thing you think of when considering home security and maintenance, but it’s crucial for safeguarding your basement from water damage, unwanted animals, and even theft. If you’ve ever had issues with water pooling in your window wells or discovered a family of critters nesting in them, you know just how important a cover for basement window well can be.
Let’s explore the many reasons why installing a basement window well cover is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home. From preventing water damage to deterring theft and keeping animals out, we’ll show you why a basement well window cover is essential.
Why You Need a Basement Window Well Cover
Your basement windows are essential for natural light, fire escape, and ventilation. However, because many basements have windows that are below ground level, they are exposed to the elements and prone to issues like debris buildup, animal infiltration, and water accumulation. A basement window well cover solves these problems by offering protection against the elements and potential security threats.
Debris Build-Up and Water Issues
One of the most common problems homeowners face with uncovered window wells is the accumulation of debris. Leaves, dirt, twigs, and other materials can easily fall into the window well, obstructing proper drainage. Without a basement window well cover, this debris can pile up and cause blockages. As a result, the window well becomes unable to drain properly, leading to the potential for water issues in your basement.
Water that pools in window wells can seep into your basement, creating damp conditions that promote mold growth and damage to your foundation. Additionally, massive snow drifts or overflowing gutters can exacerbate the problem, causing water to flow directly into the window well. This can lead to significant flooding or even structural damage.
A basement well window cover is designed to prevent debris buildup and keep water flowing freely away from your home. By ensuring that your window well remains clear of debris, it helps protect your basement from unwanted moisture and the potential for long-term damage.
Animal Intrusion: Keeping Wildlife Out
Animals love to hide in dark, sheltered spaces like window wells. Unfortunately, this can lead to a variety of problems. Critters such as rabbits, raccoons, foxes, and even gophers often see window wells as an easy place to nest or seek shelter. This leads to the destruction of your window well screens and insulation, animal feces, and dead rotting carcasses.
Take, for example, a customer who once shared her experience with a gopher that had found its way into her window well. This persistent creature dug a massive hole trying to escape, causing a huge mess in the process. This could have been avoided had a proper fitting cover been installed.Similarly, we’ve heard stories from homeowners who have found foxes and raccoons living in their window wells. One customer sent us a photo of a baby fox that had managed to crawl into her well, while another had an angry raccoon that refused to leave the window well. Both situations were messy, disruptive, and required costly repairs for their screens and the assistance of pest control services. These animals can destroy window screens, chew through insulation, and even leave behind waste that can lead to health risks.
The best way to avoid these problems is to install a cover for basement window well. With a sturdy cover in place, animals won’t be able to access the well, preventing them from nesting and causing damage.
Theft Deterrent: Concealing Break-In Points
Another often-overlooked benefit of a basement window well cover is its ability to deter thieves. People looking for concealed break-in points may target basement windows that are below ground level, thinking they are easy to access without being noticed. Without a basement well window cover, these windows are exposed and vulnerable.
A strong, secure basement window well cover makes it much harder for anyone to tamper with or break into your basement windows. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance the security of your home and protect it from theft.
In fact, many burglars look for easy, unnoticed entry points like basement windows. By covering your basement window wells, you’re essentially blocking one of the most common methods of unauthorized entry. If you are curious on how to install a basement window well cover with locking system, we have some great advice below.
How to Cover Basement Window Well: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the importance of installing a basement window well cover, let’s go over how you can do it yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cover a basement window well effectively.
Step 1: Measure the Window Well
Before purchasing any materials, you need to measure the window well. Use a measuring tape to get the dimensions of the width, and length of the well. This will ensure that the basement window well cover you purchase or create fits securely and properly.
Step 2: Choose the Right Materials
A basement window well cover should be durable, weather-resistant, and secure. Popular materials include polycarbonate, acrylic, and metal, all of which offer the strength and durability needed to withstand the elements. UV-treated polycarbonate is particularly favored for its impact resistance, longevity, and transparency, allowing light to filter into the basement while keeping the well protected.
You may also opt for a basement well window cover made from steel mesh or solid metal, which provides additional strength and security. When choosing the material, make sure it’s durable enough to handle snow, rain, and debris while being lightweight for easy handling and fire escape.
Step 3: Install the Cover
Installing a basement window well cover is a simple process. First, place the cover over the well to ensure it fits properly. Next, use a window well cover lock kit or home-made solution to secure the cover in place. Be sure to check that it’s tightly attached, ensuring that no animals or debris can get underneath, but also quickly and easily releasable from the inside without any tools, keys, or special knowledge which is the standard upheld by IRC building code.
Step 4: Secure the Cover
To prevent the cover from blowing away in strong winds or being tampered with, secure it with quick release cables or clevis pins. Some covers come with built-in locks or latches that allow you to easily remove them when necessary but prevent accidental removal or theft.
The Advantages of Windows Well Covered
For those who prefer a hassle-free, professionally installed basement window well cover, Windows Well Covered – Custom Window Well Covers offers high-quality, custom-made solutions that take the guesswork out of the equation.
Durable and Reliable
Windows Well Covered provides custom covers designed to fit your window well perfectly. Made from premium UV-treated polycarbonate and industrial grade aluminum frame, these covers are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, preventing water damage and ensuring your window wells remain clear of debris. Strong well made window well covers will also protect people and pets from falling in.
Security and Protection
As a theft deterrent, their covers come standard with a quick-release locking system ensure that potential burglars cannot access your basement windows. With a custom-fit basement well window cover, you’re adding an extra layer of security to your home, making it more difficult for thieves to target your basement.
Animal-Proof
Windows Well Covered’s designs are animal-proof, preventing critters from entering your window wells and causing costly damage. Whether it’s gophers, foxes, or raccoons, their covers keep unwanted animals out, ensuring that your window wells remain undisturbed.
Expert Installation
While a DIY window well cover can be a great option for many, professional installation ensures a perfect fit and provides added peace of mind. Windows Well Covered offers expert installation services to ensure that your window well covers are securely and properly placed.
Installing a basement window well cover is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from water damage, unwanted animals, and security threats. Whether you choose a basement window well cover DIY approach or opt for a custom solution from Windows Well Covered, a secure cover provides numerous benefits, from deterring theft to preventing debris buildup and keeping animals out.
Investing in a basement window well cover is an investment in your home’s long-term protection and peace of mind. Don’t wait until you face the consequences of an uncovered window well – take action now and protect your home and your loved ones today.