What Is a Window Well?
A window well is a recessed space in front of a below-ground basement window. It’s necessary to provide easy egress from basements and ground level windows in case of emergency. Window wells help prevent mud, dirt, debris and water from entering the window. Window wells also open up a basement with natural light, keeping it from feeling dark and dreary.
An egress window well is one that’s larger, deeper and sturdier than a standard window well. Typically, it has steps or a ladder that a person uses to exit the basement quickly in case of an emergency.
What’s The Purpose of Window Wells?
Window wells keep dirt away from the basement and ground level windows. There are a few benefits to having window wells. For basements and ground level windows, one of the main benefits is keeping water away. Other important benefits of window wells include:
- protecting your home’s foundation from water damage.
- providing an emergency escape route from your home in the event of fire or other dangerous elements.
- providing ventilation which allows outside air to keep your basement fresh and reduce stale, musty odors.
- keeping bugs, rodents and other animals out.
With the right tools and a little knowledge, you can install a window well yourself. Our window well installation article will guide you every step of the way.
What Materials Are Window Wells Made From?
To prevent water from seeping into the basement, standard window wells are usually reinforced with an area wall made of plastic, metal, fiberglass or concrete.
Plastic Window Wells (also called Polycarbonate)
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to spend a lot, plastic window wells are a good economical choice. These window wells are extremely durable. They don’t dent or rust, installation is quick and easy, and they last for years.
Metal Window Wells
Metal window wells includes galvanized steel or aluminum. They’re relatively easy to install and they prevent moisture damage to the basement window. They’re weatherproof, durable, don’t swell in the heat, galvanized to prevent rust and can last for 30 years or more, depending on your soil conditions.
Fiberglass Window Wells
Fiberglass window wells are lightweight, durable and easy to install. They won’t rot or rust and can stand up to the worst weather conditions. They’re water- and sun-resistant and are available in a variety of designs like a faux stone appearance.
Concrete Window Wells
Concrete window wells (poured on-site or precast) offer unmatched stability and durability. They last for years and can be custom-made.
What Are Window Well Covers?
You may have seen a plastic window well cover but didn’t know what it was. Window well covers are designed to fit over window wells. These covers — made of plastic (comprised of polycarbonate) or metal (usually aluminum or steel) — prevent adults, children, pets and other animals from falling into the space. They’re an important safety feature for any home that has basement windows or ground level windows.
Window well covers also help keep the well free from debris. They allow a small amount of air to circulate in the window well, however, you can get covers with vents in them to allow more air flow.
For added security, window well covers are easy to operate and remove from the inside. In case of an emergency, they can be lifted from underneath, making it easy to escape the home through the basement. Window well covers are a good idea and a smart investment for homes with a basement or ground level windows. When you’re in need of window well covers, Lowe’s carries a variety from which to choose. If you’re feeling handy, make an easy project of it with installation. We’ll show you how in our handy guide.
What Kind of Window Well Covers are Best?
The best window well cover is one designed for safety. To avoid injury, it should be able to support the weight of a person or animal if they accidentally step on it. The material should be rustproof and durable.
When selecting a window well cover, look for one that fits inside the window well rather than one that rests on top. This is a more secure configuration and one which ensures the cover is locked in place.
There are several types of window well covers available according to their shape:
- U-shaped
- rectangular/square
- circular/round, elongated and
- heavy arched
Aside from their shape, you’ll find window well covers that are either flat, domed, sloped or grate-style.
Flat window well covers, as the name implies, are simple, low-profile designs that are flush with the ground. It’s the most unobtrusive of the window well cover designs.
Domed window well covers protect the window well, as well as any portion of window that is above ground.
Sloped window well covers are attractive and sleek. They do an excellent job of diverting rain, snow etc. from the home.
Grate-style window well windows allow good ventilation and natural light.
The shape of the cover that you get depends on the shape of the window well.
To ensure you get the correct window well cover size,
- measure the vertical space from the outside wall of the house to the outer edge of the cover, and
- measure the outer edges of the window well (at its widest horizontal point).
The above measurements, along with the well’s shape, will determine the window well that you should get.
What Can I Do to Make My Window Well Look Better?
Window wells don’t have to be drab or have a utilitarian look. You can dress up your window wells so that the view is a pleasant one. Here are ideas to help make your window well covers enhance your space.
- Plant small bushes around the well.
- Use pavers to build a rock wall.
- Use decorative rocks. Place rocks at the bottom of the well and include beautiful potted plants to add color to the space.
- Create a zen garden – add sand, stones or crystals, a fountain, flameless candles. etc.
- Create a mini garden around the window well with potted plants and topiary.
- If the window doesn’t see a lot of sun, try using plants that love shade like primrose, begonias, toad lilies, coleus, impatiens and more.
- Mount planters or add window boxes to create an organic look and feel.
- Add garden decorations.
- Install decorative window well liners. Indulge in a relaxing waterfall view, take a walk through the forest, enjoy a majestic mountain view and more.
- Create steps leading out of the window well.
- Make a stunning series of tiered platforms to display potted plants or decorations inside and outside.
- Landscape the area around the well with mulch and bricks that match the curvature of the window well.
- If you have a larger egress window, create a terraced window where you can add a bistro table and chair to relax.
Make sure not to place plants, ragged stones, etc. in your exit path as you could trip over them or otherwise be injured if you’re exiting in the dark. Always keep a clear exit route from the window.