How Much Do Window Well Covers Cost?

Table of Contents

1. Window Well Covers Cost
2. Window Well Cover Price Factors
3. Window Well Material Costs
4. Window Well Cover Installation Cost
5. Window Well Cover Sizes
6. Where To Buy Window Well Covers
7. Best Window Well Cover Brands
8. Find A Window Contractor

Window Well Covers Cost

Most homeowners across the U.S. spend $414 to $680 on window well projects, which includes the cost of the materials and professional installation. Although the national average is $605, there's a variety of factors that affect the cost of your project, including the size and type of window well covers you choose and any extras you add to the project.

Window Well Cover Price Factors

Just like installing windows in your home, one of the biggest factors in determining the cost of the project is the size of the windows. Companies use more materials to make larger window well covers, and understandably, they cost more. Other factors include:

• Materials: Plastic is the least expensive, while metal and tempered glass cost far more.
• Customization: If you must have the covers custom-made because of odd angles or access issues, the materials and installation will cost more than if you buy a cover off the shelf.
• Extras: Intricate installation requests, such as installing angle support for the window well covering or adding a motorized opening and closing system, increase the cost of materials and labor.

Window Well Material Costs

When it comes to window well covers, materials matter. Because these covers are intended to protect your home's foundation, prevent people and animals from falling into the wells and deter criminals from looking for easy access to your home, it's important to choose the covers that are best for your home and those that'll protect you from unnecessary window repair costs.

Cost shouldn't be the number one factor. Each material has a slightly different strength. For example:

• Plastic window well covers tend to be the least expensive with prices from $10 to $250 depending on the size. They do a good job of keeping dirt and debris from the window well, but they can crack and break.
• Shatter-resistant polycarbonate typically comes with costs starting around $50 to $100, but it's far sturdier and more secure.
• Tempered glass lets in plenty of light, but it costs anywhere from $400 and up.
• Aluminum and steel grates are 250 times stronger than glass, and they can support the weight of a person, making them a very secure option. Prices typically start around $100 to $200.

Window Well Cover Installation Cost

Window contractors typically charge anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour for basic installations. If you have any special requests, or if your window wells require customization, your contractor may charge a higher rate. Other factors that might affect installation costs include:

• Installing support
• Using ribbing
• Installing a motorized system to open/close the window well covers
• Adding finishing details on the window well covers

Window Well Cover Sizes

Just as insulated windows come in varying sizes, so do window well covers. Common window well lengths range from 17” – 70”. If your window doesn't fit into standard sizes, such as a specialized storm window may not, you'll need to buy custom window well covers, which typically cost more. In general, the larger the window well, the more you can expect to pay for it. For example, while you might expect to pay around $50 for a MacCourt plastic window well cover measuring 25” wide and 44” long, you'd pay closer to $280 for the same type of window well cover measuring 38” wide and 60” long.

Where To Buy Window Well Covers

You may be able to buy window well covers through your local window contractor. Other places to buy covers include:

Home Depot

Home Depot carries a variety of brands, many of which offer window well covers as part of a package deal with window wells and other accessories. Some of the brands this store carries include MacCourt, Shape Products, Wellcraft, Rockwell, Amerimax Home Products, ScapeWEL and Adjust-A-Grate. Prices range from $10 – $1,000+.

Lowe's

Lowe's carries brands such as Adjust-A-Grate, MacCourt, Shape Products, Ultra Protect and Wellcraft. Prices range from $15 – $400.

Menards

Menards carries a varied selection of window wells and accessories like pre-fab and custom window well covers. They carry St. Paul Corrugating's Safe-T-View line of polycarbonate covers at prices ranging from $149­ – $300. Custom covers from Shape Products cost anywhere from $38 – $1,150+.

Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware carries a limited selection of window well covers. They sell MacCourt window well covers ranging from $14 – $25.

Best Window Well Cover Brands

Just as every sump pump isn't the best for every situation and basement sealants don't all work the same, not all window well cover brands are equally suited for every climate. When you invest in equipment that needs to work well and be durable enough to withstand your regional weather conditions, local professionals have the inside scoop on brands that hold up best in your local conditions. It's best to get a personalized recommendation whenever possible. Some of the best brands include:

• MacCourt: Window well covers cost an average of $10 – $280
• Shape Products: Window well covers cost an average of $28 – $290
• Ultra Protect: Window well covers cost an average of $60 – $380
• Wellcraft: Window well covers cost an average of $450 – $500+
• Rockwell: Window well covers cost an average of $500 – $600

Find A Window Contractor

Now that you know more about window well prices, start searching for the best contractor for the job. Whether you recently installed an egress window as part of your basement remodeling project or you're replacing your window well covers, we make it easy for you to contact local pros. Just submit a lead on our website and we'll connect you with local window contractors.

Last updated on Jun 13, 2017