What kind of window well covers are best?

Having the right window well covers is an important part of protecting your basement windows. The covers act as a barrier against falling debris, animals, insects, and harsh weather. With so many options available, it can be hard to determine what type of cover is the best choice for your needs.

What are the different types of window well covers?

There are three main types of covers for window wells:

• Plastic covers – These are typically made of polycarbonate or PVC. They are transparent, allowing light into the well.
• Metal covers – These covers are made of galvanized steel, aluminum, or other metals. They are very durable.
• Grates – Grates are made of steel, aluminum, or plastic. They have an open design to allow airflow.

Within these broad categories, there are more specific options:

Plastic Covers

• Bubble covers – These have a bubble shape and are made of thick plastic.
• Corrugated panels – These have ridges and grooves for strength.
• Flat panels – Simple flat plastic sheets.

Metal Covers

• Steel lids – Basic metal lids that sit over the well.
• Hinged lids – Metal lids attached with hinges for easy access.
• Telescoping covers – Covers that can retract or extend to fit different window sizes.

Grates

• Plastic grates – Budget-friendly but less durable.
• Steel grates – Very strong grates, often galvanized.
• Hybrid grates – Combine plastic and metal for balance of cost and strength.

What are the most important factors in choosing a window well cover?

Here are the key considerations when selecting a window well cover:

• Durability – It must withstand weather, falling leaves/debris, animals, lawn mowers, etc.
• Security – Deters break-ins and protects kids/pets from falling in.
• Light transmission – Allow natural light into basement windows.
• Ventilation – Allows fresh air flow to prevent mustiness.
• Emergency access – Easy to remove cover in case access to well needed.
• Aesthetics – Looks attractive and blends with home’s architecture.
• Ease of installation – Easy to correctly measure and mount cover.
• Cost – Budget-friendly and offers good value.

How do plastic window well covers compare?

Plastic is a popular choice for window well covers. Let’s compare the different plastic options:

Type	Durability	Security	Light	Ventilation	Emergency Access	Aesthetics
Bubble covers	Good	Fair	Excellent	Fair	Difficult	Modern look
Corrugated panels	Excellent	Good	Good	Good	Moderate	Industrial look
Flat panels	Fair	Poor	Excellent	Excellent	Easy	Simple look

As the table shows, corrugated plastic panels offer the best mix of durability, security, light access, and ventilation. The ribbing provides strength while small gaps between panels allow airflow. Bubble covers let in ample light but can be hard to remove in an emergency. Flat panels are prone to damage but offer full light and ventilation.

How do metal window well covers compare?

Here is a comparison of the main metal window well cover options:

Type	Durability	Security	Light	Ventilation	Emergency Access	Aesthetics
Steel lids	Excellent	Excellent	Poor	Poor	Difficult	Industrial look
Hinged lids	Excellent	Excellent	Poor	Fair	Easy	Clean look
Telescoping covers	Good	Good	Fair	Good	Moderate	Streamlined look

Solid steel lids are the toughest but preclude light and air flow. Hinged lids maintain security while allowing the cover to be opened as needed. Telescoping versions offer a balance of durability, light access, and adjustable sizing.

How do grates compare for window well covers?

Grates excel in certain areas but have downsides too:

Type	Durability	Security	Light	Ventilation	Emergency Access	Aesthetics
Plastic grates	Poor	Poor	Excellent	Excellent	Easy	Modern look
Steel grates	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Easy	Industrial look
Hybrid grates	Good	Fair	Excellent	Excellent	Easy	Mixed look

Plastic grates can’t match the durability and security of steel. But steel grates allow full light and air flow. Hybrid grates offer a compromise using both materials.

What are the best window well cover options by home type?

The optimal window well cover depends somewhat on your home architecture and needs:

For modern homes

Modern homes often suit these low-profile covers that blend in cleanly:

• Corrugated plastic panels
• Flat plastic sheets
• Telescoping metal covers
• Plastic grates

For traditional homes

Hinged metal lids and steel grates often best fit traditional home architecture:

• Hinged steel lids
• Steel grates
• Hybrid grates

For homes needing light

These options maximize light entering the basement windows:

• Bubble plastic covers
• Flat plastic sheets
• Steel grates
• Plastic grates

For safety and security

Solid steel covers provide maximum protection and deterrence:

• Steel lids
• Hinged steel lids
• Steel grates

For easy access

These make it simple to open the well cover when needed:

• Hinged steel lids
• Flat plastic sheets
• Steel grates
• Plastic grates

What are the best window well cover brands?

Quality can vary a lot between brands. Some top options include:

Plastic Covers

• Bilco
• Wayne Dalton
• Frost King

Metal Covers

• Bilco
• Wayne Dalton
• Basement Window Well Covers

Grates

• Grate Rooms
• Colorado Basement
• Basement Window Well Covers

Bilco is perhaps the most trusted brand across all cover types. They offer extensive product lines with leading materials, warranties, and customer service.

What maintenance do window well covers need?

Regular maintenance helps keep your covers functioning properly:

• Clear debris like leaves from grates and drainage areas.
• Repair any loose hardware or damaged/degraded materials.
• Touch up paint on metal covers when needed.
• Remove standing water that may pool after rains.
• Keep plastic/glass covers clean for optimal light transmission.
• Confirm covers remain securely in place.
• Check that hinges, locks and lifting mechanisms operate smoothly.

A quick visual inspection every season when doing yard maintenance goes a long way. Address any issues promptly to get the longest life from your covers.

Conclusion

The ideal window well cover depends on your specific home and needs. Key choices include plastic panels or sheets, metal lids or grates, and hybrid options. Seek durable materials from leading brands. Maintenance like clearing debris keeps covers working properly. With choices like corrugated panels, hinged lids, and steel grates, you can find the optimal types of window well covers.