Window well covers advice

[sellersm]

Our granddaughter is now able to run around the yard, so we need to cover our window wells, and I've got questions!

Are there regulations/codes that we need to be aware of?

Are there recommended covers? How about ones to avoid?

Any vendors/installers? Is it an easy install for a DIY homeowner?

Thanks in advance...

[Erni]

Lowes/HD has some stretch to fit sizes. Not sure how they compare. Craigslist usually has a few peeps advertizing, and my neighbour went that route, said he paid half vs a regular store. Not sure on code reqs.

[CS1983]

We have the rebar type... came with the house.

Baby bunny fell in a few weeks ago and we didn't know until it was stiff as a board. Our oldest found it, all excited about the rabbit. Had to climb down and retrieve it.

Oldest has also gotten his leg stuck in it when he was climbing on it and fell "into" the cover.

We will be replacing w/ covers from the local, family owned Colorado company, Liberty Home Products (who have done our front security/storm door and will be doing our rear door):

http://www.lhpinc.com/gallery/
http://www.lhpinc.com/steel-security-products/window-well-covers/

[00tec]

I am in need of some too. No kids, but plenty of critters. Nothing at lowes or Home Depot was big enough for our wells.

[davsel]

I just used rough cut cedar 2x4s
Cut them to fit across and over the edge about 5 inches on either side. Spaced how you like.
Cut 3 more to make a frame that is under these and around the outside of the well, and screw it all together.
You could add hardware cloth underneath to keep the smaller critters out.

[SideShow Bob]

We have the rebar type... came with the house.

Baby bunny fell in a few weeks ago and we didn't know until it was stiff as a board. Our oldest found it, all excited about the rabbit. Had to climb down and retrieve it.





http://www.lhpinc.com/gallery/
http://www.lhpinc.com/steel-security-products/window-well-covers/

A long stick with a large nail taped to it works well for retrieving rabbits from window wells,
Dead or alive......

[sbgixxer]

I had the same issue and couldn't find anything that didn't either look like it was going to fall apart or collapse under someone's weight so I welded a few up am much happier with the result. I used angle iron and expanded metal and since installation five years ago, I've had zero rabbits. Custom fab sure makes it look better since it'll fit your window well perfectly.

[rondog]

Made mine out of 2x6's.

[cstone]

I have two of these: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Adjust-A-Grate-Window-Well-Cover/3026988

And a welding class special from my daughter when she was at the VoTech. They all work and I test them out personally since I out weigh any kid or other family member who may wander across one.

[sniper7]

I build my own. Better and stronger than just about anybody out there. Cross braced, expanded metal up top, every piece welded, full hooks off each main support.

Expanded metal can be smaller holes than picture I've attached. And the escape door adds a lot of work but nice for emergency egress.
i also attached them to window well interior with quick disconnects which adds security from intrusion but allows quick escape if necessary.

My kids walk on them every day. I walk on them every week. Only thing that goes down is small rocks and sand.

I used to sell a lot but have run out of time lately, will try to pick it back up again. Not cheap as they are material and labor intensive to build but should last a lifetime. I haven't powder coated them to save on cost, but a quality primer and paint and a touchup once a year should do just fine.

71746

[fly boy]

I got a set similar to the ones below. My 7 year old and 4 year old jump on it and it has held up great. I'm scared to jump, but holds my 175lbs just fine....

Install was super easy, and if we need to escape, just push up and the whole things pops off the window well.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Shape-Products-53-in-x-38-in-Universal-Fit-Polycarbonate-Window-Well-Cover-5338UNV/202532141

[Hummer]

I build my own. Better and stronger than just about anybody out there. Cross braced, expanded metal up top, every piece welded, full hooks off each main support.71746


If I had a window well I'd want one of those.

[TheGrey]

I build my own. Better and stronger than just about anybody out there. Cross braced, expanded metal up top, every piece welded, full hooks off each main support.

Expanded metal can be smaller holes than picture I've attached. And the escape door adds a lot of work but nice for emergency egress.
i also attached them to window well interior with quick disconnects which adds security from intrusion but allows quick escape if necessary.

My kids walk on them every day. I walk on them every week. Only thing that goes down is small rocks and sand.

I used to sell a lot but have run out of time lately, will try to pick it back up again. Not cheap as they are material and labor intensive to build but should last a lifetime. I haven't powder coated them to save on cost, but a quality primer and paint and a touchup once a year should do just fine.

71746

Geeze, that's a really nice-looking cover.

[sellersm]

I build my own. Better and stronger than just about anybody out there. Cross braced, expanded metal up top, every piece welded, full hooks off each main support.

Expanded metal can be smaller holes than picture I've attached. And the escape door adds a lot of work but nice for emergency egress.
i also attached them to window well interior with quick disconnects which adds security from intrusion but allows quick escape if necessary.

My kids walk on them every day. I walk on them every week. Only thing that goes down is small rocks and sand.

I used to sell a lot but have run out of time lately, will try to pick it back up again. Not cheap as they are material and labor intensive to build but should last a lifetime. I haven't powder coated them to save on cost, but a quality primer and paint and a touchup once a year should do just fine.

71746

That is excellent!