Window Well Covers
I was in my yard last summer and heard the pitiful mewling of a kitten. It cried continuously and the sound tore at my heart.
Where was the little guy?
I began to search, following the plaintive sound. Finally, I discovered a tiny calico kitten in my basement window well. I don’t know how long the terrified creature had been down there. My old-fashioned well cover didn’t fit properly and the unfortunate kitten had managed to fall into the well’s depths, then had been unable to make its way out without help.
Why do Basement Window Wells Exist?
Situations like this are only one of the challenges basement window wells present to homeowners, so why do we need them?
Basements are an important living space in many of today’s homes, serving as storage areas or utility spaces. Regardless of how you use your basement, the space must have windows to allow egress in case of emergency and to let in light in a space that would otherwise be dark and dank.
If your basement is above grade, adding windows is simple. If your basement is below grade, however, installing windows is more complicated. A well must be created so dirt is retained and light can enter.
Top 5 Risks with Exposed Basement Window Wells
Along with a big hole in the ground on your property, this opens up a long list of potential problems–all bad for homeowners:
- Basement wells tend to fill up with leaves and other debris.
- Children, animals and even adults can fall and be trapped or injured.
- When critters fight to get out of the well, they damage your windows and screens.
- Secluded windows are often targets for breaking and entering.
- Lastly, basement window wells fill with snow and rain that can leak into your basement and cause water damage.
Todd Stewart, owner of Custom Covers in Lebanon, IN, says many homeowners have tried to solve the dilemma by purchasing ready-made well covers, but they did not fix the trouble. According to Todd, people are often dissatisfied with covers they purchase off the shelf. Top complaints include:
- Improper fit
- Unattractive
- Hard to maintain
- Need frequent replacement
- Many basement well covers are made with an open fabrication that still allows rain, snow and debris into the well
The Modern Custom Well Cover Solution
So how do you resolve the recurrent problems with basement wells? According to Todd, custom well covers are an ideal solution. Custom covers fit the well precisely without gaps or overlap. They attach securely so they will not shift and expose the well.
A custom well cover maintains security because they lock from the inside. Egress is still readily available, but unwanted pests (human and otherwise) cannot easily enter your basement.
Todd says today’s quality custom covers are built from substances like stainless steel, polycarbonate, aluminum and other enduring materials, so they never need replacing. Because the covers are custom made, you can choose the design that best suits your home. Once you make the initial investment in these covers, you can stop worrying about ever buying well covers again. In fact, Todd says his one lament about his company is that repeat customers do not exist.
Instead of an eyesore, your basement window wells are attractive features that become a permanent solution to the long laundry list of window well dangers….and all the stray kittens will thank you.
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