Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide for the Best Window Well Covers in 2023

A window well can be alluring for burglars and animals. It can also be a safety hazard for kids, especially if it’s deep and has collected dirt and debris. Therefore, it’s a must to add a cover in this area of the house.

A window well cover will not just prevent fall hazards and build-up of debris. It also serves as privacy protection if the basement window is noticeable from the outside. On the other hand, you can ditch the need for artificial lighting if you opt to get a clear one that will allow sunlight to come into the room.

Since you are keeping soil and water from the foundation walls, you don’t have to pay additional costs from the damages they can cause. It’s incredible how something so affordable can give you these benefits, and choosing a window well cover is not even that complicated. To help you choose the perfect fit for your house, below are the best basement window well covers in the market, as well as a buyer’s guide.

Best Window Well Covers Comparison Table

Unit	Material	Color	Shape	Price
Wellcraft 5600	Polycarbonate	Clear	Dome	Check Price
Shape	Polycarbonate	Clear	Oblong	Check Price
Maccourt 4236EG	N/A	Clear	Rectangular	Check Price
Dyne	Polycarbonate	Clear	Rectangular	Check Price
Ultra Protect	Polycarbonate	Clear	Elongated half-circular	Check Price
Maccourt W4018	Polyethylene	Clear white	Dome	Check Price
Maccourt W4419	N/A	Translucent white	Bubble	Check Price
Maccourt 4017CH	Polyethylene	Clear	Semi-circular	Check Price

Best Window Well Covers Reviews

Wellcraft 5600 – Editor’s Choice

The first cover in our list is this dome-shaped model from Wellcraft. For us, this unit is a straightforward product that captures all the characteristics that you should look for in a window well cover.

The Best Egress Window Cover

The Wellcraft 5600 is dome-shaped, which means that it’ll be perfect for you if your window extends above ground level where flat covers won’t be the suitable fit. The 5600 have a good height as well, so it’s easy to spot and avoid accidents. It is also unlikely for kids and animals to step on it and accidentally fall.

Heavy-Duty

As we have mentioned in our buyer’s guide, polycarbonate is an excellent material for a window well cover. With this product in particular, the overall quality is nice and reliable, that it can even handle 500 pounds of weight. This durability is important in any cover because it should be able to withstand random loads that might fall or step on it.

Secured but Lightweight

But what we like with Wellcraft is that it’s still lightweight enough so you can easily take it out when necessary. This is a plus for people who might be considering using their basement window as an emergency exit.

Speaking of removal, remember that you still want your window well covers to stay secured in place. They should be comfortable to remove in case of emergency, but at the same time, they have to be able to withstand various conditions, including forceful winds. With Wellcract, it uses a fastener system that efficiently holds it in place. You’ll get four sturdy locks that will keep the cover steady even during a hurricane.

Quick Installation

You can also make installation much more simpler since this cover is specifically for the brand’s 5600 window well. Because they are the perfect match, you can just attach the hinge to the wall and add the cover on top for a quick yet secured installation. However, since it’s meant for Wellcraft’s window well only, you won’t be able to get the perfect fit if you plan on using it with another window well.

Easy to Clean

Lastly, because this dome-shaped cover is clear, you can assume that it will let the light in your basement effectively. It’s also easy to check if it needs cleaning because of this. When needed, simply wash it with soapy water to keep it looking brand new.

This is Perfect for You If

The Wellcraft 5600 is perfect for you if your window well is the 5600 model from the same brand. It is heavy-duty, so you can save on replacement costs and installation costs since it uses a simple fastener system. And if privacy isn’t an issue, this clear cover will bring your gloomy basement back to life.

You Might Reconsider If

If you have another type of window well, and if you want a cover that will keep nosy passersby from seeing the inside, consider getting another model.

Shape

If your window does not extend above ground level, you should check out this flat window well cover by Shape. We like this product because it is oblong with rounded corners, so you’re not going to be limited on the window wells that it’ll be suitable for. This is a common limitation with semi-circular covers, so Shape’s overall style is a plus in terms of flexibility.

Durable and Strong

Like the previous cover, Shape is also a polycarbonate model. It feels robust enough, and the brand mentioned that it won’t disintegrate even after prolonged exposure to UV rays. You can assure that there will be no discoloration, and it will be able to handle the wear and tear outside. It even has a steel insert and molded bar at the back for reinforcement in case a weighted object steps or falls on it.

Unique Surface

You will also notice that Shape has ridges and slopes. This is advantageous because one, it will serve as drainage to prevent the buildup of moisture in your walls. Remember that it’s important to avoid liquid buildup to maintain the integrity of your walls over time. And second, this detail on the surface makes Shape not as enticing to step on as opposed to being a completely flat surface.

Large and Hinged

Other than its unique surface, Shape is also quite big compared to other typical well covers. If you have a large window well, this 53 x 38-inch cover might be able to give you the perfect fit. But how does it install? You’ll just use the clips to lock it in place. The instructions are straightforward, so it shouldn’t take you long to install it.

The brand also designed this cover to be hinged, so you can just lift it in case you need to use your window as an emergency exit. This is faster and more convenient as opposed to taking out the cover completely.

Lastly, Shape is also transparent, which allows you to get some light in your dim basement. However, this can be a limitation, especially if you want to avoid prying your eyes from looking inside.

This is Perfect for You If

Shape will not lose its construction even if your area is exposed to UV rays. The instructions for installation will not frustrate those with short patience. And when you need to use the window as an exit, the hinged design of this cover makes it easier.

You Might Reconsider If

The transparent design of Shape will make your window well perfectly visible to passersby.

Maccourt 4236EG

Up next is this window cover from Maccourt called the 4236 Type EG. And if you think a rectangular cover would be the perfect match for your window well, this is our recommendation. It can fit on a 36-inch projection as well, so we’re sure that the size is not limiting for homeowners.

Energy-Saving

Just like the first two covers, Maccourt is heavy-duty enough to withstand various weather conditions. And because it helps with the insulation in your basement, you can save some energy as well. Therefore, you’ll also be able to save on expenses.

Window covers like this product improve the insulation in the basement because they seal the window well. Therefore, you’re preventing air leakage that can cause energy loss. Speaking of energy-saving, the fact that Maccourt is clear will also save you some light costs.

Since sunlight enters the room, it also helps in heating the basement; thus, you can prevent drafts. However, we know that clear covers can also be limiting for those wanting some privacy that translucent covers offer.

Comes with Installation Necessities

Installation of the 4236EG is simple since the brand already includes the clips, bolts, and cap nuts. It also snaps on and off easily if you want to improve the ventilation in the area. And at the same time, quick removal makes cleaning just as easy and efficient as opposed to those that’s complicated to take out.

This is Perfect for You If

If your window well is rectangular, the Maccourt 4236EG gives a perfect fit and will improve the room’s insulation to save on energy costs. It also comes with installation hardware to save time and additional expenses.

You Might Reconsider If

Maccourt 4236EG is crystal clear, so if you don’t want prying eyes looking through your basement, this model isn’t for you. 

Dyne

Get it Trimmed

Another rectangular window well cover is this model from Dyne, and it is perfect if you are looking for a cover to use with your corrugated steel window well. However, you can have it trimmed if you need to modify its size to any type of window well whether it’s made of timber, concrete, or plastic. Because of this, you are not limited on the window well that you can use this cover with.

Durable for a Long Time

In terms of durability, Dyne is an impact-resistant polycarbonate window well cover. It also uses structural grade aluminum, for maximum strength when faced with weighted objects. In particular, it can support a weight of 250 pounds, so you can be confident that it won’t give out randomly. It is also resistant to various weather conditions for guaranteed protection for a long time.

Easy Exit

For installing, Dyne comes with wind clips. However, you can also purchase the brand’s so-called SAF-T Lock, which is a locking system unique to them. Using SAFT-T lock will allow you to unlock the product from inside the basement window well without the need for tools. And this is particularly useful in case of emergency exits.

This is Perfect for You If

If your window well is deformed, Dyne is easy to trim to achieve the perfect shape. It already comes with clips for installation, so it’s ready to use upon arrival.

You Might Reconsider If

Dyne is transparent, which can be a drawback for those with basement windows exposed to the public eye. 

Ultra Protect

Best Elongated Half-Circular Window Well Cover

We are halfway through our review, and we have a half-circular elongated window well cover from Ultra Protect. As you can see, this model is large at 41 inches wide. It also projects 14 inches from your wall to the front so that it won’t be a problem fitting it to a typical half-circular window well.

You will also notice that unlike the cover from Shape earlier, Ultra Protect has no ridges, and the surface is just flat. And because this cover is clear, you’ll get maximum sunlight inside your basement. However, this can again be a drawback if you want some privacy in this area of the house.

Quick Installation

Ultra Protect is meant to cover a corrugated steel well. The brand already includes the well clips, so all you need to do is to attach them over the rim of your well. It’s a quick installation process, and it secures the cover in place. However, if your steel well is not in the perfect shape, you can trim Ultra Protect so it will still fit perfectly. And in the case of an emergency, it’s quite easy to lift this cover if you need to use the basement window as a point of exit or entry.

250-Pound Capacity

In terms of durability and performance, Ultra Protect is at par with the previous polycarbonate covers we reviewed. The brand also reinforced this cover with an aluminum bar, so that it’s more sturdy in case of a load dropping or stepping on it.

This cover can, in particular, support up to 250 pounds of weight for maximum safety and durability. And lastly, you don’t have to worry about this cover deforming over time since it can handle harsh UV rays and abuse from various weather conditions.

This is Perfect for You If

Ultra Protect can handle a 250-pound weight, so if you know that the cover is prone to getting a load over it, this model is an ideal choice. It is also durable enough to withstand UV rays, but you can trim it when necessary.

You Might Reconsider If

Transparent color makes everything visible to everyone.

Maccourt W4018

If you remembered earlier, we are pleased with the quality and performance of Maccourt 4236EG. But what we have here now is another product from the same brand, and it’s their W4018 model.

What makes Maccourt W4018 different from the previous products we reviewed is that this product is clear white. It isn’t a completely clear cover, but it’s still able to let some light in. At the same time, because this product is dome-shaped, it’s perfect for those with windows that extend above ground level.

Strong Yet Lightweight

The W4018 is also durable, even though it is made of polyethylene. It’s still able to handle some weight, such as a child or an animal stepping on it. We also like how secured it fits to keep debris out of the well. Overall, even though it looks flimsy, it can handle the abuse of the various elements outside.

However, the main impressive characteristic of this product is that it only weighs two pounds. It gives an effective seal and insulation, but because of its weight, it’s still going to be easy to remove.

We have always mentioned earlier how easy removal of a well cover is a must, so it’s a plus how lightweight this model is. Even if you’re not that strong, you don’t have to struggle to remove it when necessary.

The only negative we have with the W4018 is that Maccourt has placed a lot of stickers on it. You can remove them, but it leaves some tackiness, which affects the look of the cover.

This is Perfect for You If

If you want a bit of privacy, but still need some light coming in the basement, the semi-translucent color of Maccourt W4018 is for you. It is also lightweight enough to be removed by someone who’s not as strong.

You Might Reconsider If

For those who value aesthetics, Maccourt offers this product with stickers that leave residue on the surface. 

Maccourt W4419

Not straying from the trend, what’s next on our list is the W4419 model from Maccourt as well. This is also quite similar to the W4018 because it’s not completely transparent. We can describe its color as translucent white, so it’s not very clear, but you’ll still get light in your basement.

Versatile Shape

The Maccourt W4419 is a bubble-shaped cover, and its shape makes it usable for both circular and rectangular wells. We appreciate this versatility because this eliminates the need to trim this cover to get the best fit and insulation.

We also didn’t find any flaw in how secured it installs, so that you can protect your wall from debris and moisture. And in terms of durability, Maccourt won’t let you down as the material is thick and reliable to withstand being outside.

Lastly, the W4419 may not be as lightweight as the previous Maccourt cover, but you still won’t have a hard time taking it out. It is only four pounds, so you can quickly remove it when needed.

This is Perfect for You If

The bubble shape of Maccourt W4419 makes it usable both for circular and rectangular wells. If you ended up using it for another window well, you wouldn’t need to buy another shape.

You Might Reconsider If

It isn’t polycarbonate, so over time, it’s prone to chipping. 

Maccourt 4017CH

The last window well cover in this list also happens to be from Maccourt, and it is the 4017C. For us, this product is the best one that you can get in the market, especially if you’re on a budget. This window well cover is even more unique by having a bird design embossed on the surface to add for aesthetics.

Low-Profile Look

The Maccourt 4017CH is a semi-circular cover that is made of sturdy yet lightweight polyethylene. It can fit a window well measuring 40 x 17 x 4 inches, so it’s perfect for those who want something low-profile. We also like how it’s only 3.5 inches high, so it’s not something that will be obtrusive when you put it at that side of the house.

Lightweight and Easy to Install

Because this product only weighs two and a half pounds, you can also expect that it’s easy to install and remove. However, as we have mentioned beforehand, it is made of polyethylene. It’s sturdy enough to withstand some wear and tear, but it’s not going to be as long-lasting as polycarbonate covers like the Wellcraft 5600. If your cover will be exposed to something like harsh UV rays, we recommend opting for a polycarbonate material.

Is it easy to install? The fact that it’s lightweight makes it possible for you to trim it to match the shape of your window well when needed. At the same time, Maccourt already includes the fixings for installation.

You don’t need to pay a professional because it’s as easy as inserting the clips to the holes in your window well. You can also just put it on top and add some gravel to keep the cover in place.

Lastly, the Maccourt 4017CH is a clear cover. Therefore, it’s advantageous if you want to get maximum lighting inside your basement. However, if privacy is a significant factor, opt for something more translucent like the Maccourt W4018.

This is Perfect for You If

If you need an affordable cover that can still handle some abuse, the Maccourt 4017CH is an excellent consideration. It’s also easy to install, so you can further save on installation costs.

You Might Reconsider If

To save costs, Maccourt used polyethylene, which is a bit less sturdy than polycarbonate. 

Buyer’s Guide

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Window Well Covers

• Material and Durability

Because the window well cover is outside, it’s vital that it will be durable enough to withstand the elements. Not to mention, it may need to be able to carry the weight of rocks, kids, and pets if they accidentally wander on this side of the house. Ideally, the window well should be heavy-duty enough to last the various wear and tear.

You want the window well cover to be sturdy and rust-proof. It will get wet from rain and snow, strong winds, and scorching sun, so it should stay solid regardless. You can opt for polycarbonate like the majority of the products we reviewed because this type of plastic is more sturdy than polyethylene. At the same time, the way they are designed fully covers the window well, as opposed to steel grates. Although, if ventilation is a priority, grills and mesh give better airflow.

• Size

The next factor to consider is the size of the cover itself. So before you choose a product, make sure that its size is compatible with your window well. If it’s too small, it wouldn’t lock in place and provide the security we’re trying to achieve. And if it is too big, it’s possible for the cover to get removed randomly.

To get the ideal fit, you need to measure the width of your window well, its projection, and the height from the top of the well to the top of the window. You may not get the exact fit, but you can gauge if the size will lock the cover in place. At the same time, some covers like Dyne and Ultra Protect are trimmable anyway. Therefore, even if your window well is a bit deformed, you can still get a secured fit.

• Shape

Speaking of size, the shape of the cover also plays a significant role in giving the perfect fit. As you can see in our comparison table, the window well covers in the market vary from rectangular, round, semicircular, and elongated oval. You might even need a dome or bubble-shaped style if you need allowance for the window. But other than functionality, the shape of the cover also plays a role in aesthetics as you can see with Shape.

• Color

Lastly, the color of the window well cover is also something worth checking out. As we have mentioned before, window well covers can also offer privacy protection. But at the same time, it can protect the area while still allowing sunlight to penetrate through.

So if the area is outside, you might want a translucent cover for privacy reasons. Maccourt W4018 and Maccourt W4419 are both semi-translucent, but because they’re not a solid color, you will still get some light in the room.

On the contrary, you can opt for a clear cover like the majority in this list if privacy isn’t something to worry about due to the placement of the window well. This way, you can illuminate a dim basement without the need for bulbs.

Conclusion

Home improvement is not just limited to the beautification of our houses. We should also see the word improvement as a way to make the areas around our home more efficient and functional. And by investing in certain additions, we could also help protect these areas to last for a long time.

One of the areas in our homes that we sometimes overlook is the window well. It is the opening on your basement window, which can serve as a point of exit or entry when needed. At the same time, it also adds to the overall look of your house from the outside.

Our top favorite window well cover in the market is this clear, dome-shaped polycarbonate cover, Wellcraft 5600. This cover installs effortlessly and securely using a fastener system, but it’s also lightweight enough when removal is necessary. And because it is a heavy-duty product, you can expect that it will last you a long time even if it’s exposed to various conditions outside.

If your window well demands a different shape, you can also check out the oblong cover from Shape, the rectangular one from Dyne, or the elongated half-circular from Ultra Protect. The majority of these covers are clear as well, but Maccourt W4018 and Maccourt W4419 are both semi-translucent if you want a bit of privacy.