Pros & Cons of Plastic Window Well Covers vs. Metal Grates

The window well cover world is growing more every day, with new possibilities available. You can choose what works best for your house, and we’re here to tell you about the pros and cons of plastic window well covers vs. metal grates to bring some clarity. Doing your research and learning what’s ideal for you instead of getting a quick fix could save you lots of money and prevent safety issues.

Plastic Window Well Covers

We’ll first go over plastic window well covers. The material that usually makes up plastic covers is polycarbonate.

Pros

Polycarbonate is very strong, lightweight, durable, fire resistant, water resistant, and safe. The plastic is transparent, and its versatility allows for the creation of custom window well covers that perfectly fit any surface. These covers are specifically for outdoor conditions and can handle any type of weather.

There are many benefits to plastic window well covers. If, for any reason, you want to change yours, it’s easy to do and quick to install. They keep everything you don’t want inside your basement out while still letting the room breathe with good air circulation. Because they’re lightweight, they work perfectly with egress regulations in case of an emergency.

Cons

Low quality plastic covers can break if put under a lot of weight. They won’t shatter but will need replacement if a crack is visible. These types of covers are easier to remove, and unwanted guests may be able to get inside your house undetected more easily than with metal grates. Plastic covers may also become scratched. When looking at the pros and cons of plastic window well covers vs. metal grates, you should know that the small details can make a difference.

Metal Grates

Next, we’ll address the benefits and potential drawbacks of metal grates. These can come in more than one metal material.

Pros

Metal grates provide optimal ventilation and security for your basement. These covers are heavy duty and can resist just about any type of exterior force. You can easily paint them to match the style of your house or attain whatever color you’d like to have. The design of the grates prevents anyone stepping on them from slipping and falling.

There are different materials like steel and aluminum that you can get to match your needs. Steel works best for smaller windows because of the weight. On the other hand, aluminum can work well for larger covers since it’s lighter. Both materials are egress compliant and safe to use.

Cons

Metal grates can be less flexible in design and usually lay flat on the ground. And because of the nature of the materials, it’s harder to create unique styles. Since the grates have many openings, they don’t protect very well against debris, leaves, water, snow, etc. They let air flow in nicely, but they can block most of the light, turning your basement dark. Depending on the size and material, they can be heavier than plastic covers as well.