Have you ever glanced out your basement window and noticed more than just sunlight – perhaps a collection of leaves, debris, or even unwanted critters lurking in the window well? Window wells, while essential for letting light and air into below-ground spaces, can quickly become catch-alls for unwanted elements. Investing in a well-fitting window well cover is the key to protecting your basement from water damage, preventing accidents, and keeping pests at bay. A properly measured and installed cover ensures a secure and effective barrier, saving you from costly repairs and unwelcome surprises down the road.
The first step in achieving this peace of mind is accurate measurement. Measuring for a window well cover may seem straightforward, but even small discrepancies can result in a cover that doesn't fit correctly, leaving gaps and compromising its protective function. Accurate measurements are crucial for ensuring a secure, weatherproof seal that keeps your window well dry, clean, and safe.
What are the common mistakes people make when measuring?
How do I accurately measure the length and width of my window well for a cover?
To accurately measure your window well for a cover, use a measuring tape to determine the widest length and width inside the well. Measure from the inside edges of the well, not the outside, and note the measurements in inches. Round up to the nearest inch to ensure a proper fit, especially if the well is irregularly shaped.
When taking measurements, remember that window wells are rarely perfectly square or rectangular. Multiple measurements along the length and width are crucial to account for any irregularities or bulges in the well's shape. Record the largest measurements you find for both length and width; these will be the dimensions you use when ordering or fabricating your cover. This approach ensures the cover will adequately span the entire opening, preventing debris and water from entering. Finally, consider the material of your window well when measuring. Metal window wells can sometimes have sharp edges or bends that might slightly alter the effective opening size. In these cases, it's beneficial to carefully examine the edges and measure from the points that will truly come into contact with the cover. For concrete window wells, be mindful of any crumbling or uneven surfaces that could affect the fit. Taking your time and being precise with your measurements is key to getting a well-fitting and effective window well cover.What's the best way to account for any obstructions when measuring for a window well cover?
When measuring for a window well cover, carefully note any obstructions like pipes, meters, or brackets protruding into the well. The best approach is to measure the clear opening of the well *without* the obstruction, then measure the obstruction's location and size. You'll need to communicate this to the cover manufacturer, ideally with photos and precise dimensions, so they can either customize the cover to fit around the obstruction or advise on adjustments you can make to the obstruction itself.
Accurately accounting for obstructions is crucial for ensuring a proper fit and functionality of your window well cover. Ignoring them can lead to gaps, instability, or the inability to install the cover at all. Take multiple measurements from different points around the well, particularly near the obstruction. Sketch a simple diagram of the well, noting the obstruction's position relative to the walls and its height from the bottom of the well. Include these detailed notes with your measurements when ordering your cover. Consider the type of obstruction and its impact on the cover's stability. A small pipe might be accommodated with a notch in the cover, while a large meter could require a significant cutout or even a custom-designed cover. If possible, explore options for relocating or modifying the obstruction. Sometimes, moving a pipe a few inches can dramatically simplify the cover design and reduce costs. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any changes to utilities.Should I measure the inside or outside dimensions of the window well?
You should measure the **inside dimensions** of your window well to ensure a proper fit for your window well cover. The cover needs to sit securely *inside* the well, resting on the top edges.
When measuring, take several measurements of the length and width at different points within the well's interior. Window wells are often not perfectly square or rectangular, so using the largest length and largest width ensures the cover will completely span the opening. It's better for the cover to be slightly larger than perfectly snug, as a cover that is too small could fall into the well or leave gaps where debris and water can enter.
Consider the material of your window well. If it’s corrugated metal, measure from the inside crests of the corrugation. Also, note the shape of the well (rectangular, semi-circular, angled, etc.) as this will influence the type of cover you need and where you take your measurements. When ordering, many retailers ask for these inside length and width measurements, and some may also require the depth of the well for custom covers.
What type of measuring tape is recommended for measuring window wells?
A flexible steel measuring tape, typically 25 feet long and at least 3/4 inch wide, is recommended for measuring window wells. The flexibility allows you to accurately follow the contours of the well, while the steel construction provides durability and prevents stretching, ensuring precise measurements for a proper window well cover fit.
Accuracy is paramount when measuring for window well covers. A steel tape measure offers the best combination of flexibility and stability. Avoid using cloth or fiberglass tape measures, as they can stretch or deform easily, leading to inaccurate measurements and a poorly fitting cover. The width of the tape helps prevent it from bending excessively when extended, which can also skew your readings, especially when measuring larger window wells. Look for a tape measure with clear, easy-to-read markings to minimize errors. To ensure the most accurate measurements, extend the tape measure carefully, avoiding any kinks or twists. If the window well is particularly deep or wide, it might be helpful to have a second person assist you in holding the tape measure in place. Take each measurement at least twice to verify its accuracy. Always record the largest dimension when taking measurements for length and width. These precise measurements will provide the necessary data to purchase or custom-build a window well cover that fits snugly and effectively protects your window well.How do I measure if my window well is not a perfect rectangle or square?
Measure the length and width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window well. If these measurements differ significantly, your window well is not a perfect rectangle or square and requires accounting for the varying dimensions when selecting or custom-ordering a cover.
To accurately measure an irregular window well, treat it as a polygon and take multiple measurements along each side. Note the longest and widest points – these are the critical dimensions you’ll need to consider. For oddly shaped window wells (perhaps curved or significantly tapered), creating a template is often the most reliable approach. Use cardboard or builder's paper to trace the inside perimeter of the well. This template then becomes the blueprint for your custom cover. When measuring, pay close attention to any obstructions like pipes, rocks, or protruding features. These will affect the fit of your cover. Indicate their position and size on your measurements or template. Furthermore, remember that your window well cover should extend beyond the edges of the well itself to prevent rain and debris from entering. Typically, an overhang of a few inches on all sides is recommended. If you're unsure about your measurements, especially for complex shapes, consider consulting with a professional window well cover installer. They have the tools and expertise to accurately assess the shape and size of your window well and recommend the appropriate cover.Is it better to round measurements up or down when ordering a window well cover?
When ordering a window well cover, it's generally better to round your measurements *up* to the nearest inch. This ensures the cover will be large enough to fit securely over the well, even if your measurements are slightly off or the well itself has slight irregularities. A cover that's too large can be adjusted or modified, while a cover that's too small is unusable.
A window well cover that's too small simply won't work. It will either fall into the well, leaving it exposed, or it won't sit securely on the rim. On the other hand, a cover that is slightly larger than needed offers a margin for error and allows for easier installation. You can often shim the cover or use additional fasteners to secure it properly if there's a small gap. Many covers are also slightly flexible and can conform to minor variations in the shape of the well. Consider the material of the cover as well. Rigid covers, like those made from metal or thick polycarbonate, allow for less leniency. If you are working with rigid materials and your measurements are close to a standard size, you might consider rounding up significantly to the next standard size to guarantee fit and the ability to customize. In contrast, flexible covers give you more wiggle room. Ultimately, erring on the side of a slightly larger cover and adjusting it is far preferable to receiving a cover that's too small to be used.What's the easiest way to measure the depth of the window well?
The easiest way to measure the depth of your window well is to use a measuring tape. Extend the tape measure from the top edge of the window well (where the cover will sit) down to the bottom of the well. Make sure the tape measure is straight and vertical for an accurate measurement.
For the most accurate measurement, it's best to take several readings at different points along the well's perimeter. This is because the bottom of the well might not be perfectly level, or debris accumulation might create uneven surfaces. Note the largest depth measurement you find. This maximum depth is crucial for ensuring your window well cover has sufficient clearance and won't rest directly on the bottom of the well, where it could collect water and debris. When ordering a cover, provide this maximum depth measurement to the manufacturer or supplier. They'll typically recommend a cover height that provides some extra clearance (e.g., adding an inch or two) to prevent any contact with the well floor. This clearance is important for proper drainage and to avoid any potential damage to the cover.And that's all there is to it! Measuring for your window well covers might seem a little daunting at first, but with these simple steps, you'll have it done in no time. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope this guide helped you out. Feel free to pop back any time you need some more helpful tips and tricks around the house!