Alexei Volkov
Installing plastic window well covers is a valuable addition to home maintenance, enhancing safety and curb appeal. Window well covers act as a protective barrier, preventing falls and keeping out leaves, rain, and critters. They also spruce up the exterior of your home, providing a clean, finished look. While the installation process may seem daunting, it can be broken down into simple steps. This involves taking accurate measurements, drilling holes, and securing the cover firmly in place with screws or anchors. Proper installation ensures the cover's effectiveness in keeping out debris and water, preventing maintenance issues, and maintaining the structural integrity of the window well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevent falls, enhance home safety, and protect against leaves, rain, and critters |
| Installation tools | Drill, screwdriver, permanent marker, level |
| Installation steps | Measure window well, mark drilling points, drill holes, attach screws or anchors, secure cover with clips |
| Maintenance | Inspect for cracks, repair with adhesive or patch kit, replace if necessary, clear drainage blockages |
| Variations | Sloped or flat, polycarbonate, plastic, metal |
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What You'll Learn
- Measurements: Measure the window well and cover to ensure a correct fit
- Drilling: Use a drill to make holes for screws or clips
- Securing: Attach the cover with screws or clips
- Waterproofing: Ensure the cover is sloped to prevent water pooling
- Maintenance: Regularly inspect for cracks, warping or bending
Measurements: Measure the window well and cover to ensure a correct fit
When installing plastic window well covers, taking accurate measurements is crucial to ensure a snug fit. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Firstly, it's important to understand the two main types of below-ground window wells: those that allow sunlight through small or medium-sized windows, usually mounted high on basement walls, and oversized "egress" wells with larger windows that serve as emergency exits. Knowing which type you have will inform the specific measurements you need to take.
To begin, carefully measure the width of your window well at the front and back, where it touches your house. Note the widest width. Then, measure from the side of your house to the outermost edge of the window well in at least two places. This will help you understand the overall dimensions of the well. Don't forget to also note the shape of your window well, as this will impact the fit of the cover. Most are either rounded, square, or U-shaped with gently rounded corners.
Next, place the plastic cover on top of the window well and find a secure, comfortable position. Once the cover is in place, measure four to six inches from the closest side of the cover to the wall on both sides and mark these points with tape. Then, use a pen or marker to indicate where the edge of the cover meets the edge of the well. This will ensure that your plastic cover fits perfectly and securely.
After taking these initial measurements, you may need to make additional measurements once you receive your plastic cover. Before drilling any holes or attaching the cover, it's crucial to double-check that your measurements are accurate and the cover fits snugly.
Lastly, when installing your plastic window well cover, remember to use the appropriate tools and hardware. A drill, screwdriver, and correct screws or anchors for your home's exterior material are essential. This will ensure that your cover is firmly attached and effectively keeps out debris, water, and unwanted guests like critters.
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Drilling: Use a drill to make holes for screws or clips
Drilling is an essential step in installing plastic window well covers, especially if you need to secure the cover to the foundation. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use a drill to make holes for screws or clips:
First, select the appropriate drill bit for the job. If you're drilling into wood, metal, or masonry, ensure you have the correct drill and drill bits. Old or worn drill bits can damage plastic as they break through the underside, so use new or sharpened bits. Press the plastic firmly against the scrap wood underneath as you drill.
Next, with the cover in place, use a marker to mark the points where the cover's mounting hardware will be attached to the well. Double-check the alignment before moving on to the drilling process. Ensure the cover is centred and that the back edge is snug against the house.
After marking the installation points, it's time to drill. Use a drill bit that matches the size of the mounting screws provided with your cover. Drill carefully at the marked points, ensuring the holes are deep enough to securely hold the screws. If you're drilling into a metal or concrete window well, use the appropriate drill bit to avoid damage.
Finally, secure the cover to the window well. Position the cover back over the well, aligning it with the holes you drilled. Insert the screws or bolts provided with the cover into the drilled holes. Use a screwdriver or wrench to tighten the screws, being careful not to overtighten as this could damage the cover or well. Test the cover by gently pushing on it to ensure it's firmly in place.
Note: Drilling and anchoring into siding can lead to water infiltration and cause issues with rotted wood and mould over time.
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Securing: Attach the cover with screws or clips
When securing your plastic window well cover with screws or clips, there are a few methods you can use. Firstly, you need to decide whether you will use screws or clips to attach your window well cover. Clips are a good option if you want to be able to remove the cover in an emergency, as they simply clip onto the lip of the window well. If you opt for clips, you will still need to use screws to attach the clips to the cover.
If you choose to use screws, you will need to drill holes in the window well cover. Before you start, make sure you have the correct drill and drill bits for the job, depending on the material of your home's exterior. For concrete foundations, you will need masonry anchors, while wooden frames will require wood screws. Mark the drilling points on the foundation or window well frame to ensure accurate placement of the screws. Use a level to ensure that the cover sits evenly on the window well, as an uneven cover can compromise the effectiveness of the cover.
If you are using clips, you will need to mark where the clips will go on the cover. Some covers come with a protective film that has arrows to help you position the clips correctly. Mark the middle of the lip of the window well, then shift the cover slightly to one side and drill the holes. Place the screw through the bottom of the U-shaped clip and then through the cover. Put the cap nut on the screw and tighten it with a screwdriver from below the cover. Adjust the tightness of the screw to control the distance between the legs of the clip.
For both methods, you will need to take measurements to ensure the cover fits correctly. Place the cover on top of the window well and secure it in a comfortable position. Measure four to six inches from the closest side to the wall and mark it with tape. Then, use a pen or marker to mark where the edge of the cover meets the edge of the well. If your cover requires more than two clips, make the same measurements at the front of the well. Once you have marked the drilling points, remove the cover and drill the holes.
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Waterproofing: Ensure the cover is sloped to prevent water pooling
When installing plastic window well covers, it is important to ensure that the cover is sloped to prevent water pooling and to keep the well dry. Water pooling can lead to leakage into the basement, which can cause water damage and other issues.
To ensure proper sloping of the plastic window well cover, follow these steps:
- Measure the width and height of the window well: Take accurate measurements of the width of the window well at both the front and back, where it touches the house. Also, measure the height of the well from the top of the well to the top of the window.
- Choose a suitable cover: Select a cover that is slightly larger than the measured width and height to ensure complete coverage. If a pre-made cover is not available in the required size and shape, consider ordering a custom-made basement well cover.
- Install the cover: Center the cover over the window well, ensuring that the back edge is snug against the house. The edges of the window well should provide support for the cover.
- Create a slope: To create a slope on the cover, you can use shims or thin pieces of wood. Place these underneath the cover along the edges, raising them slightly to create a gentle slope towards the outside of the well.
- Secure the cover: Drill holes in the cover and the shims or wood, and use appropriate screws to secure the cover in place. Make sure the screws are long enough to go through the cover and into the underlying support, providing a firm hold.
- Test the slope: Once the cover is secured, pour water onto it to test the slope. Observe if the water sheds off the cover due to the slope. Make adjustments as necessary to ensure effective water runoff.
By following these steps and ensuring a proper slope, you can prevent water pooling on your plastic window well covers, thus reducing the risk of water leakage and basement flooding.
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Maintenance: Regularly inspect for cracks, warping or bending
Plastic window well covers are a great, durable option to enhance your home's safety and curb appeal. They are designed to let natural light into your basement while keeping out debris and water. Most high-quality modern window well covers, whether metal or plastic, will last for decades.
Plastic window well covers are prone to cracks over time. Regularly inspect your plastic window well covers for any signs of cracks, warping, or bending. Small cracks can sometimes be repaired using a suitable adhesive or a patch kit designed for the material. For instance, some plastic window well covers have a UV-resistant cap sheet treatment to prevent yellowing, splitting, and cracking.
If you notice more significant cracks or damage, the safest option is to replace the cover to maintain its structural integrity. This is important to ensure the cover continues to serve its purpose of keeping out debris, water, and snow, as well as preventing falls, which is especially important for households with children and pets.
In addition to visual inspections, you can also perform functionality tests. For example, if you notice water pooling inside the well despite having a cover, check that the cover is properly sloped to allow water to run off. If the slope is correct, inspect the drainage system and clear any blockages.
By regularly inspecting and maintaining your plastic window well covers, you can ensure their longevity and effectiveness in enhancing your home's safety and aesthetics.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a drill, a screwdriver, a 2-inch by 4-inch piece of wood, and a permanent marker. You will also need screws and anchors, but the type you use depends on the material of your home's exterior.
First, measure the width of the window well at the front and back, noting the widest width. Then, measure from the side of the house to the outside edge of the window well in at least two places. Note the shape of the window well. Once you receive your cover, place it on top of the window well and take measurements on both sides, marking 4 to 6 inches from the closest side of the wall.
After taking measurements, remove the cover and drill holes for the clips. Place a piece of wood underneath the area you will drill through to prevent damage. Drill holes that are barely larger than the diameter of the nails you will use. Before attaching the clips, inspect the nails to ensure they are the correct size. Once the clips are attached, snap the cover down on the lip of the well.
Plastic window well covers are prone to cracks over time. Small cracks can be repaired with adhesive or a patch kit, but larger cracks require a replacement cover. If you notice water pooling inside the well, check that the cover is properly sloped and inspect the drainage system.
