7 Reasons to Winterize Windows with Window Well Covers

As the colder months come, homeowners naturally start to get ready for winter. One of the most important tasks is to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce heat loss. People often insulate pipes, caulk gaps around the house, and seal windows.

However, they sometimes forget about the window well. This is where good window treatments, like window well covers, can help. They provide an easy and helpful way to winter proof windows and keep emergency escape possible. Note that an egress window well cover, like the one shown above, will need to be cleared occasionally so that family members can get out in case of emergency.

Why Winterize Windows with Window Covers for Winter

Window well covers do more than keep debris, snow, and ice out. They are important for getting your home ready for winter. These covers block snow, ice, and cold air from entering your basement, making your home warmer, drier, and safer during colder months.

Buying good covers can stop problems like water damage and pests. They can also help improve energy efficiency in your home by preventing cold transferring through the windows from ice and snow that has accumulated in the window well. Homeowners can choose from many types of window well covers that look nice and provide great protection.

1. Enhance Insulation with Polycarbonate Covers

One main way that window well covers keep your home warm in winter is by improving insulation. Cold air can trap itself in the well then flow into your basement through the windows. This can happen even if you use insulation film on the glass panes.

Polycarbonate covers clip on the lip of the window well. They help reduce heat transfer and add extra insulation. This keeps the temperature in your basement steady and helps your heating system to work less.

2. Prevent Snow in Window Wells with Sloped Covers

Snow build-up creates safety issues and causes moisture problems in your basement. Sloped window well covers are a great way to help cover windows for winter.

These covers have a slanted design that stops snow from piling up. This allows the snow to easily slide off, avoiding heavy loads that could damage the well. Window covers for cold weather also helps prevent water from melting snow from leaking inside drafty windows.

3. Protect Against Ice Buildup with Polycarbonate Materials

Ice and snow stuck in window wells can cause several issues. It can damage the well and lead to water leaking through cracks, creating dangerous surfaces. Polycarbonate window well covers are the best plastic to cover windows in winter.

This window well cover will keep cold out, is strong  and can handle impacts. They are less likely to crack or break from ice or snow weight. They will support up to 150 pounds of static weight, and  their smooth surface helps stop ice from sticking. Ice and snow will melt and slide off with direct sunlight and warmer temperatures.

4. Maintaining Dry Wells Using Dome-Shaped Covers

Keeping window wells dry is crucial. It helps stop water damage and mold in your basement. Dome-shaped covers are great for this because of their height – covering the portion of the window that comes above the lip of the well..

The curved design of these bubble window well covers helps rain and melting snow flow away easily. This stops water from collecting and flowing into the well. This is especially important in the spring, when melting snow can cause water to accumulate near the foundation.

5. Avoiding Water Damage with Window Well Covers 

Preventing water damage is crucial for homeowners when winterizing  windows and window wells. Using sturdy window well covers will help to waterproof your window wells, creating  a strong barrier against leaks.

A few more things to consider:

• Be sure that the caulk around the window itself is intact, both inside the home and on the foundation wall outside.
• Clean up debris at the bottom of the well, and verify that if there is a drain in the window well, it is clear.
• If your basement window is older, some weather stripping where the window closes will help a lot. 
• The shrink film window wrap applied on the framework inside the basement stops drafts and is easily removable in the spring.

6. Preserving Structural Integrity with Heavy-Duty Options

In areas with a lot of snow or strong winds, it’s important to choose heavy-duty window well covers. Manufacturers create these strong covers from thick materials like durable polycarbonate or strong plastics. Look for UV treated polycarbonate for the ultimate combination of strength and longevity. They can handle a lot of weight, meaning they won’t bend or break from heavy snow, keeping the well structure safe.

7. Customizing Aesthetics to Complement Home Exteriors

Gone are the days when window well covers were just plain and not nice to look at. Now, homeowners can pick from different materials and colors. Also a great choice is a window well liner, to improve the view from the window. They come in many sizes and styles that fit well with their homes. This helps protect and add personalization to these areas of your home.

You might like the clean look of clear polycarbonate. Or maybe you prefer the classic style of metal grates. If you want something unique, there are custom designs too. Some covers even look like your current window treatments, such as shutters or window boxes.

Window well covers have many benefits and could be one of the best ways to winterize basement windows in cold weather. 

Window well covers are important for making your home comfortable and provides energy savings during the colder months. When you choose high-quality, window well covers, you protect your home from damage and help make your home look nicer outside.

Don’t forget how important these covers are for getting your home ready for winter. They are a great part of your winter preparation plan.