7 Best Basement Window Covers for Any Situation

Whether you need durability, weather resistance, privacy, or something to fit your large window, these are the 7 best covers for your basement window wells.
Written by Annette Maxon
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly cover, something that can endure up to 500 pounds, a weather-resistant option, or a cover for your basement window that gives you some privacy, these are the seven best basement window covers for any situation. 
If that opening near your basement seems to accumulate more debris each day or you’ve been worrying about your dog falling into it, a cover for your basement window may be the fix you’ve been looking for. 
That’s why
Jerry
, the super app and
home insurance
guru, has created this guide to help you find the best window well covering for your home. From budget-friendly options to the most durable finds, this handy guide walks you through the best options on the market. 
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How we chose the best window well covers

This list includes options that are highly-rated by buyers, proving that all seven products have an excellent track record
No matter what you’re looking for in a window well covering, we’ve handled the hassle of researching products to find you the best option for your unique situation.
When selecting this list, we kept the following in mind:
  • Size
  • How easy it is to install
  • Durability and ability to bear weight
  • Privacy and security
  • Weather resistance
  • Price
For each product, you’ll find a list of the pros and cons to help make your search for the best basement window covering even easier. Time to go shopping!
MORE: How to remove kitchen cabinets

Amerimax Home Products 75260 Translucent Well Cover

Available from
Amazon
, $80.51
City dwellers or anyone with neighbors will love the extra privacy offered by Amerimax’s translucent well cover. An extremely effective window well cover, this semi-circular product is extremely durable and will keep any animals, pets, or children from accidentally falling into the well. 
What’s more, the recessed groove around the outer edge effectively seals the well from the outside elements (think: no more snow, leaves, or debris accumulating).
Pros:
  • Can support up to 500 pounds
  • Works for wells that are plastic or metal-rounded
  • Made from durable plastic
  • Enhances privacy
Cons:
  • Not translucent: only allows in 25 percent of natural light

Shape Products Universal Fit Flat Basement Window Well Cover Outside Premium Polycarbonate

Available from
Home Depot
, $237.03
If you’re worried about finding a window well cover big enough, this option from Shape Products is the best option for large window wells. Measuring 53 inches wide x 38 inches long, this rectangular well cover has rounded corners to fit smoothly over any window well ledge. 
Furthermore, it’s made from heavy-duty polycarbonate plastic that is resistant to UV rays to prevent fading or discoloration.
Pros:
  • Generous size: perfect for large window wells
  • Extremely durable: perfect for protecting animals, children, or pets from falling into the window well 
  • Clear finish: allows natural light into your basement
  • Hinged cover: allows easy access to the window well
  • Easy installation
Cons:
  • Fully transparent: doesn’t enhance privacy
  • High price point

Ultra Protect Elongated Clear Polycarbonate Basement Window Well Cover

Available from
Home Depot
, $81.35
If security is on your mind, you should consider this Ultra Protect window well cover to keep out mischievous animals or intruders.
The clear polycarbonate material is incredibly durable and impact-resistant. Not only can it support up to 250 lbs, but this cover is also reinforced with the solid steel “SAF-T Lock” system that prevents outside entry. 
However, the lock can quickly be undone from the inside by pulling a pin, making it easy to get out of the window well in the case of an emergency. 
Pros: 
  • Internal locking system: protects against burglaries from getting through the cover or curious children from undoing the cover
  • Generous size
  • Durable
  • Allows for natural light
Cons:
  • Clear material: lacks privacy

MacCourt Polyethylene Reversible Bubble Window Well Cover

Available from
Home Depot
, $10.28
Maybe you know you need a window well cover but don’t want to spend the money on one. Cue this bubble window well cover. 
The best budget option on the list, MacCourt’s window well cover weighs only two pounds, which makes it a breeze to install. Plus, the clear polyethylene material allows natural light to still reach your basement windows. 
Not only does it effectively keep animals and weather from entering the window well, but it also provides an added level of insulation to a chilly unfinished basement.
Pros:
  • Lightweight material: easy to install
  • Added insulation 
  • Allows for natural light
  • Budget-friendly 
Cons:
  • Not weight-bearing
  • Lack of security: no mechanism to prevent intruders

Adjustable Aluminum Window Well Grate

Available from
Home Depot
, $214.50
This sturdy aluminum grate is another effective basement window cover if you’re looking to keep your window well locked and secured against intruders, burglaries, or animals. 
Additionally, it is incredibly durable—able to bear up to 400 pounds—and provides ventilation for your basement windows. 
Though it is not suitable for rectangular wells, this grate can be adjusted to fit window well openings that range from 45-60 inches long and 22-25 inches wide. 
Pros:
  • Adjustable size
  • Durable, strong, and weather-resistant aluminum 
  • Allows in natural light
  • Secures window wells from intruders or animals
Cons: 
  • Does not protect against the elements
  • Does not work in rectangular window wells
  • No privacy
  • High price point

Shape Products Heavy-Duty Straight Flat Grate Window Well Cover

Available from
Home Depot
, $37.83
Some window well covers seem to favor durability while others favor affordability. Luckily, this flat grate window well cover from Shape Products represents the best of both worlds, making it a good option if you need durability and an affordable price point. 
Made with heavy-duty polyethylene that can support up to 500 lbs, this window well cover is surprisingly lightweight (only five pounds), allowing for easy installation. Plus, the grate-style design doesn’t impede airflow through your basement window. 
Pros:
  • Durable material that can support up to 500 lbs
  • Easy installation
  • Good for keeping pests, animals, and children out of window wells
  • Provides airflow in and out of the basement spaces
  • Allows natural light
  • Affordable price point
Cons: 
  • Does not seal window wells against the elements

Shape Products Economy Round Bubble Window Well Cover

Available from
Home Depot
, $19.36
Shape Products manufactures some of the best options for round window wells. Budget-minded shoppers will love the affordable price point. 
Constructed from durable, recycled PETG, this cover is extremely lightweight for easy installation. Plus, the clear material allows natural light to reach your basement windows. 
Pros:
  • Transparent: allows for natural light
  • Lightweight: allows for easy installation
  • Secure: keeps weather and pests out of window wells
  • Budget-friendly 
Cons:
  • Not weight-bearing

How to save money on home insurance

Installing a cover for a basement window is a quick and easy way to prevent any water damage, burglaries, or accidents from befalling your window well. 
But you shouldn’t stop there—it’s essential to have
homeowners insurance
as an added layer of protection against unexpected events. Finding a good policy doesn’t have to be complicated, either. With help from
Jerry
, it can be as easy as opening a window!
The Jerry app can collect quotes from dozens of top insurance companies, like Nationwide and Progressive, in seconds! Plus, the super app offers end-to-end support, helps you switch plans, and can even help you cancel your old policy once you’ve made your pick.
Jerry
has amazing communication! And even better deals! Thanks to Jerry, I went from $327 to $182 on my payments. I’m so grateful!” —Kim T. 
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FAQs

Yes! They help with keeping your window wells clean from leaves, snow, and other debris and seal the well off from water, which helps to keep your home safe from any possible water damage. 
By covering the window well, they also keep animals (including your pets) and children from accidentally falling into the well and injuring themselves.
It depends on the type of well cover you choose. If you opt for a grate-style well covering, it will not keep out water. 
However, if you choose a completely solid option that is made from water-proof plastic and provides a seal around the edge of the well, a cover will likely keep the window well nice and dry.
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