How to Cover Giant Window Wells

Covering giant window wells is an essential task for homeowners looking to improve the safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of their basements. A well-covered window well can prevent accidents, keep out debris, and even enhance the natural light entering your basement. Let's look at the various options for giant window well covers, from pre-fabricated covers to DIY solutions, along with additional considerations such as drainage and lighting.

What is a Giant Window Well?

A giant window well is a larger-than-average window well typically used for basement egress windows. These wells are often deeper and wider than standard wells, designed to allow ample light into the basement while providing a safe exit route in case of an emergency. Because of their size, installing giant egress window well covers requires more consideration and planning than covering smaller wells.

Primary Options for Giant Window Well Covers

When it comes to covering giant window wells, homeowners have several options. The two main categories are pre-fabricated window well covers, and DIY window well covers. Each option has advantages and is suitable for different homeowners and needs.

Pre-fabricated Window Well Covers

Pre-fabricated window well covers are a popular choice for homeowners as they offer ease of installation and a variety of styles. These covers are manufactured to fit standard sizes and come in several materials, including polycarbonate, aluminum grates, and steel mesh.

Types of Pre-fab Covers

1. Polycarbonate Covers - These are clear or tinted covers made from durable, high-impact plastic. Polycarbonate covers are lightweight and strong and allow natural light to pass through, making them a great option for maintaining visibility and brightness in the basement.
2. Aluminum Grates - These covers are made from robust aluminum bars arranged in a grate pattern. They are valued for their excellent strength, durability, and ventilation options. Aluminum grates are ideal for homeowners who prioritize security and airflow.
3. Steel Mesh Covers - Similar to aluminum grates, steel mesh covers provide durability and security. The fine mesh allows for ventilation and prevents small debris from entering the well.

Advantages of Pre-fabricated Covers

One key advantage of pre-fabricated covers is their ease of installation. These covers are designed to be user-friendly, often requiring minimal tools and effort to set up. They make an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a quick and hassle-free solution to protect their window wells without the need for professional assistance.

Another significant benefit of pre-fab covers is the variety of styles available. Homeowners can pick out from a diverse range of styles and materials, allowing them to match the cover with their home's exterior and their personal aesthetic preferences. From a sleek modern look to a more traditional design, there's a pre-fab cover to complement any home's overall appearance.

Pre-fab covers also address sizing considerations. While many of these covers come in standard sizes to fit most window wells, custom options are available for those with non-standard wells. Accurate measurement of your window well is crucial to ensure a proper fit, and the availability of standard and custom sizes means a solution for nearly every window well configuration.

DIY Window Well Covers (For the Handy Homeowner!)

For homeowners who enjoy hands-on projects and want a customized solution, DIY window well covers are a fantastic option. Building your own cover allows for greater flexibility in materials and design features.

Materials Needed

To construct a durable and effective window well cover, you will need several key materials. Treated lumber is essential for the frame, as pressure-treated wood resists decay and moisture, ensuring longevity. For the cover surface, plexiglass is an excellent choice, offering both clarity and durability. Additionally, you will need hardware such as hinges, screws, and brackets to assemble the cover and securely attach it to the window well. These materials work together to create a sturdy and reliable cover that protects your basement from water and debris.

Step-by-Step Guide for Building a Basic DIY Cover

1. Measure the Window Well - Accurately measure the length, width, and depth of the basement window well to determine the dimensions of your cover.
2. Cut the Lumber - Cut the treated lumber to create the cover's frame. You'll need four pieces for the perimeter and additional pieces for cross-support.
3. Assemble the Frame - Use screws and brackets to assemble the wooden frame, ensuring it is square and sturdy.
4. Attach the Plexiglass - Cut the plexiglass to fit the frame and attach it using screws and washers to avoid cracking the material.
5. Install Hinges - Attach hinges to one side of the frame to allow the cover to open for emergency egress and maintenance.
6. Secure the Cover - Place the cover over the window well and secure it with additional brackets or weights to prevent it from being dislodged by wind or animals.

Customizable Features for DIY Covers

1. Ventilation - Incorporate vents or small openings in the cover to allow for air circulation, which is important for maintaining air quality in the basement.
2. Opening Mechanisms - Add handles or gas struts to make opening and closing the cover easier, especially for larger or heavier designs.

Additional Considerations for Giant Window Wells

When covering giant window wells, consider the following additional factors to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the cover.

Drainage Solutions

Proper drainage is pivotal for preventing water buildup in the basement window well, which can lead to flooding and structural damage.

Importance of Preventing Water Buildup in the Well

Water accumulation in a window well can lead to a variety of serious issues. One of the most immediate concerns is basement flooding. When excess water collects in the well and seeps into the basement, it can cause extensive damage to flooring, walls, and personal belongings. This type of flooding not only disrupts your living space but also requires costly repairs and extensive cleanup.

Beyond the immediate risk of flooding, water buildup can lead to your home's long-term structural damage. Exposure to water for an extended period can weaken the foundation, leading to cracks and instability. Addressing these structural issues can be extremely expensive and may compromise the safety of your home.

In addition, standing water in a window well makes the environment ideal for the growth of mold and mildew. These fungi can grow rapidly, affecting indoor air quality and presenting significant health risks to your family. Mold and mildew are particularly harmful to individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies, making it crucial to prevent their growth by managing water accumulation effectively.

Options for Drainage

Several effective drainage solutions are available to prevent water buildup in your window well. One option is to install sloped covers over the window well. These covers are designed with a slight incline to direct rainwater away from the well, preventing pooling and minimizing the risk of water infiltration into your basement.

Another effective drainage solution is the installation of French drains at the base of the window well. A French drain is built by digging a trench around a well, laying a perforated pipe, and covering it with gravel and soil. This setup channels water away from the foundation, minimizing the risk of flooding and water damage. French drains are extremely effective in areas with high rainfall or poor soil drainage, ensuring that your window well remains dry and your basement is protected.

Lighting Options (Optional but Enhances Safety and Aesthetics)

Adding lighting to your window well can improve safety and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your basement.

Types of Well Lighting

1. Solar Lights - These lights are powered by solar panels and are easy to install. They provide sufficient illumination without the need for wiring.
2. Battery-Powered Lights - These lights are also easy to install and are a suitable option when solar exposure is limited.
3. Wired Lights - Hardwired lights offer a more permanent solution and can be connected to your home's electrical system. They provide reliable and consistent lighting.

Placement Considerations for Lighting

When installing lighting around a window well, position the lights around the perimeter of the window well to ensure even illumination, which enhances visibility and safety. In addition, make sure the lights are easily accessible for maintenance tasks such as bulb changes and battery replacements, if necessary. To prevent electrical hazards, ensure that all wiring is properly insulated and protected from the elements, safeguarding both the installation and your home. These considerations help create a well-lit, safe, and functional window well area.

Safety Tips For Installing Giant Window Well Covers

Safety should be the first and foremost consideration when installing large or deep window well covers.

Importance of Using High-Quality Materials

Using high-quality materials ensures the durability and effectiveness of your window well cover. Make sure the materials you plan to use can hold out against the elements and provide lasting protection.

Ensuring Proper Ventilation for Basement Windows

Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining air quality in the basement. Ensure that your window well cover includes vents or openings to allow for adequate airflow.

Testing the Weight Capacity of the Cover (Especially for DIY Options)

Before finalizing the installation, test the weight capacity of your window well cover. This is particularly important for DIY covers, as they need to support the weight of snow, debris, and potential foot traffic without collapsing.

Take Away

Large window well solutions are crucial for maintaining a safe and functional basement. Whether you choose pre-fabricated covers or a DIY solution, it's important to consider factors such as drainage, ventilation, and safety. With the right cover in place, you can enhance your home's security, comfort, and aesthetics.

If you want to revamp your basement window well, explore window well covering ideas at Window Well Supply and choose superior solutions for the safety of your home.

FAQs

What is the best type of window well cover?

The best type of window well cover is a clear, polycarbonate cover with a durable aluminum frame. It offers excellent protection against debris and water while allowing natural light to enter.

How much should a window well cover cost?

A superior window well cover may cost you a minimum of $100, depending on the size and material.

How long do window well covers last?

High-quality window well covers can last 7 to 10 years, depending on the material and environmental conditions.

How much does it cost to replace a well cover?

The cost of replacing a window well cover depends on the cost of the cover and the labor to install it.

How to measure for a window well cover?

Measure the width and projection of the window well at its widest and deepest points. Additionally, measure the height of the well to ensure a proper fit.

Do window well covers save energy?

Window well covers can save energy by reducing drafts and improving the insulation of basement windows.