Window well covers
In a Bismarck winter, a cover is often what keeps an egress well usable. The catch is that it has to open from below.
Bismarck sees about 50 inches of snow in a normal winter, and a lot of it blows. An open well on the north or west side of a house can fill to the top and stay that way for weeks. A well cover keeps snow, leaves, runoff and animals out, and it can cut down on cold air at the window.
What makes a cover safe for egress?
Any cover, grate or bar over an escape opening has to release or open from the inside without a key, a tool or special knowledge. In practice that means:
- No padlocks, screws or bolts holding it shut
- Light enough, or hinged or assisted enough, for someone to push open from the bottom of the well
- Not frozen to the well or buried under a heavy load of packed snow
Cover types
| Type | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Clear polycarbonate dome or flat | Keeping out snow and rain while letting in light | Must fit the well tightly and be easy to lift |
| Steel grate | Stepping on, keeping out kids and pets | Lets snow and water through; must still open from below |
| Hinged or gas-assisted cover | Wells where a person might struggle to push a cover off | Hinges and struts need checking each season |
Signs your cover needs replacing
- Cracked, yellowed or brittle plastic
- A cover screwed or locked down
- Gaps that let snow drift in anyway
- A cover that has sagged under snow load
Measuring
Wells come in many shapes. The installer will measure the outside width and projection of the well and the shape of its lip, and may make a custom cover for odd-sized or terraced wells.
The installer prices the job after seeing the wall, the yard and what's on the other side of the foundation. We don't quote prices, and any figure given over the phone is only a rough starting point until someone has measured.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Are egress well covers allowed?
Yes, as long as they can be opened or removed from inside the well without a key, tool or special knowledge.
Should I shovel snow off my well cover?
Yes. A cover buried under packed snow may be too heavy to push open. Clearing it after big storms keeps the escape route usable.
Related services
- Basement egress window installation
- Enlarging an existing basement window
- Window wells, ladders and drainage
- Bedroom egress code compliance
More background: Bismarck egress window guide.
Finishing the basement or adding a bedroom down there?
Call now and a local egress installer will look at the wall, the yard and the code requirements, then quote the job.