Window wells are a great addition to your basement. They let natural light in and improve ventilation. However, without a window well cover, it can also be dangerous for any person or animal passing by. Aside from that, a window well cover can prevent debris, leaves, and other materials from accumulating in the well’s bottom.
But how do you know what size of window well cover to purchase? This article aims to guide you on how to measure window well covers properly. Note that a well-fitted window well cover can provide a secure and durable fit for your home.
Can You Measure Window Well Covers?
Many homeowners who install window well covers wonder if they can be measured. The answer is a resounding yes! Measuring your window well covers is crucial to ensure you get the correct size that fits your well precisely. Before taking any measurements, clean out any debris that may have accumulated in the well.
You’ll need to measure the width and length of the well, as well as the depth of the well. Once you have these measurements, you can choose a cover that fits your window well and snugly while providing optimal protection against debris, pests, and moisture.
Why Should You Measure Window Well Covers?
If you’ve ever experienced flood or water damage in your home, you know how devastating it can be. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to take measures to protect your home, and one often-overlooked area that deserves attention is your window wells.
Installing window well covers can greatly reduce the risk of water damage and keep your home and belongings safe. But it’s not enough to install the covers and forget about them. Measuring your window well covers is crucial to ensure they fit properly and provide adequate protection.
A poorly fitting cover can leave your home vulnerable to water damage, defeating the purpose of installing them in the first place. Don’t take any chances when it comes to protecting your home. Take the time to measure your window well covers and rest easy, knowing your home is safe and secure.
A Guide on How to Measure Window Well Covers for a Perfect Fit
Step 1: Determine the Shape of Your Window Well
The first step is to determine the shape of your window well. It could either be square, rectangular, circular, or U-shaped. Measure across the top of the well for a square or rectangular or along the diameter for a circular shape. If the well is a unique shape, a tracing or cardboard cutout of the well might aid in measurement.
Step 2: Measure the Length, Width, and Height
Once you have the shape of the window well, it’s time to measure the length, width, and height. To get the length, measure from one end of the well to the opposite side. For the width, measure from the front of the well to its back. To ensure an accurate measurement, measure at both the narrowest and widest points. Finally, measure the height from the sill to the top of the well.
Step 3: Account for Any Protrusions
If your window well has any protrusions, such as latches or hinges, they must be taken into account when measuring. Be sure to measure beyond these protrusions to ensure that they are properly covered.
Step 4: Check for A Lip
Check if the window well has an overhanging lip, an extension of the well that runs along the outside edge. Measure the distance between the top of the window sill and the bottom of this lip to ensure you get a proper fit.
Step 5: Measure Any Existing Cover
If you have an existing window well cover, measuring it might be the easiest way to determine the size of a new one. Measure from side to side across the top, along with the length and width of any existing cover.
Step 6: Take Into Account Any Obstructions
Before purchasing a window well cover, make sure that there are no obstructions that could impede the fit of your cover. Measure any objects around the window well and make sure they are compatible with the size of cover you plan to buy.
Step 7: Buy a Suitable-Sized Window Well Cover
After taking all these measurements, you can purchase a suitable-sized window well cover to provide optimal protection for your basement. Ensure that the cover you buy is of the right size and shape for your window well to ensure a secure fit.
Following these steps, you can get a window well cover with a perfect fit! To make installation easier, check if your cover comes with mounting hardware or has pre-drilled holes for attachment. With this guide, you’ll be able to get a window well cover that fits correctly and securely.
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Measure Window Well Covers
1. Size
When selecting a window well cover, the size is one of the most important considerations. You need to measure your window’s length, width, and depth well to ensure that you get a cover that fits properly. If the cover is too small, it won’t provide adequate protection from debris and animals; if it’s too large, it can be difficult to install and may not fit correctly.
2. Material
The material of the window well cover is also important as it will determine how durable and long-lasting it is. The most common materials used are plastic, metal, or fiberglass; each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should consider which one suits your needs best before making a purchase.
3. Design
The design of the window well cover is also an important consideration, as it will affect how easy it is to install and use. Some covers have simple designs with few components, while others have complex designs with multiple parts that must be assembled correctly for them to work properly. Ensure you understand how your chosen cover works before buying it so you don’t have problems later on.
4. Security
Security is another key factor when choosing a window well cover, as you want to ensure that no one can access your home through this opening in your foundation wall. Look for covers made from strong materials such as steel or aluminum and have locks or other security features to ensure maximum protection against intruders.
5. Ease of Installation
Finally, you should consider how easy the window well cover is to install, as this will determine how quickly you can get it up and running once you purchase it. Most covers come with detailed instructions, but if they don’t, look for online tutorials or videos that will show you exactly what steps are required for installation so you don’t run into any issues.
3 Benefits of Measure Window Well Covers
1. Increased Energy Efficiency
Measure window well covers are a great way to increase the energy efficiency of your home. The covers act as an insulator, trapping heat inside your home in the winter and keeping cool air in during the summer.
This can help reduce energy bills and make your home more comfortable year-round. Additionally, Measure window well covers can block out harmful UV rays, which can damage furniture and flooring over time.
2. Improved Home Security
Measure window well covers also provide additional security for your home by blocking access to windows from the outside. This prevents potential burglars from entering your home through windows not visible from the street or other areas of your property. Additionally, Measure window well covers can be locked to provide additional protection against intruders.
3. Enhanced Curb Appeal
Measure window well covers can also enhance the curb appeal of your home by giving it a neat and tidy look. The covers come in various styles and colors, so you can choose one that best suits the aesthetic of your home’s exterior. Additionally, Measure window well covers are easy to maintain; they only require a quick rinse with a hose every few months to keep them looking their best!
Some Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Measure Window Well Covers
When measuring window well covers, there are a few common mistakes people often make. Firstly, they may measure only the window’s opening well without considering the protruding metal lip around the perimeter. Ignoring this lip can lead to a cover that doesn’t fit properly or falls into the well altogether.
Another mistake is assuming all window wells are the same size or shape. While some may appear similar, slight differences in measurements can make all the difference when it comes to finding the right cover.
Lastly, people may forget to measure the depth of the window well, which can result in a cover that doesn’t extend far enough down to protect against elements like rain or snow fully. To avoid these mistakes, take the time to measure carefully and accurately for a snug and reliable fit.
Conclusion
A window well cover protects your basement from debris, rainwater, and other elements. But the wrong fit can cause more harm than good. With these easy steps, you can quickly measure your window well covers for a perfect fit. Always take accurate measurements and account for any protrusions in your well.
A well-fitted window well cover can help enhance your home’s safety and provide peace of mind. Thanks for reading our post about how to measure window well covers.
