Toronto Handyman Homeowner Guide

How to Protect Basement Window Wells from Water, Snow, Leaves & Animals

A practical homeowner guide to choosing, measuring and installing basement window well covers to help reduce rain, melting snow, leaves, debris and unwanted animals from entering your window wells.

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Why Install Basement Window Well Covers?

Basement window wells are exposed directly to rain, melting snow, leaves, branches, dirt and other outdoor debris throughout the year.

A properly fitted window well cover helps reduce the amount of water and debris entering the well while keeping the area around the basement window cleaner and easier to maintain.

It can also help discourage small animals from entering or becoming trapped inside the window well.

Clear basement window well cover installed on Toronto home
STEP 1

Inspect the Window Well Before Installing a Cover

Before purchasing or installing a cover, inspect the existing window well carefully.

Remove leaves, branches, soil and other debris from the bottom of the well. Check whether water is already collecting around the basement window after rain.

Also inspect the exterior window perimeter for deteriorated caulking, visible gaps or other signs of previous water intrusion.

Important: A window well cover is an additional layer of protection. If the window well already fills with water during heavy rain, the underlying drainage, grading or waterproofing problem should also be investigated.
STEP 2

What Does a Window Well Cover Help Protect Against?

Heavy Rain Helps reduce direct rainfall entering the basement window well.
Snow & Ice Helps reduce snow accumulation around the basement window.
Leaves & Debris Helps prevent leaves, branches and dirt from filling the well.
Small Animals Helps discourage animals from entering or becoming trapped.
Maintenance Makes the window well easier to keep clean throughout the year.
Basement Window Reduces direct exposure of the window area to weather and debris.
STEP 3

Choose the Right Window Well Cover

There are two practical options for most Toronto homeowners: a ready-made window well cover or a custom-made cover.

The best choice depends on the dimensions and shape of your window well, your budget and how closely you want the cover to fit.

OPTION 1

Ready-Made Window Well Cover

If your basement window well has a common size and shape, a ready-made cover may be the simplest and most affordable option.

Advantages

  • Lower initial cost
  • Available in standard sizes
  • Easy to purchase
  • Suitable for many DIY installations
  • Can usually be installed quickly

Things to Watch For

Standard covers only work well when the dimensions are reasonably close to your existing window well.

A cover that is too small or leaves large gaps may not provide the protection or finished appearance you want.

View Window Well Cover at Home Depot →
OPTION 2

Custom Window Well Cover

If the window well is oversized, unusually shaped or a standard cover does not fit properly, a custom-made cover is usually the better solution.

Advantages

  • Made specifically for the opening
  • More precise fit
  • Clean finished appearance
  • Suitable for unusual shapes and sizes
  • Clear covers preserve natural basement light
  • Professional measuring and installation available

Toronto Handyman recommends our partner WindowWellCovers.ca for custom window well covers in Toronto and the GTA.

Visit WindowWellCovers.ca →
Comparison of standard and custom basement window well covers
STEP 4

How to Measure Your Window Well

Accurate measurements are important before purchasing either a ready-made or custom cover.

01

Measure the Width

Measure the window well from side to side where it meets the foundation wall.

02

Measure the Projection

Measure from the foundation wall to the outermost edge of the window well.

03

Check the Height

Check how high the cover may need to sit above the window, especially if the window opens outward.

04

Check the Shape

Determine whether the well is rectangular, rounded, semi-circular or irregular.

Professional Tip: Measure every window well individually. Even window wells on the same house may have slightly different dimensions.
STEP 5

Check the Window Before Choosing the Cover

The cover should not interfere with the normal operation of the basement window.

Check whether the window opens inward, outward or slides horizontally. An outward-opening window may require additional clearance.

Also check for siding, brick, vents, pipes, downspouts or other obstacles around the opening.

Egress Windows: If the basement window is required for emergency escape, the window well cover must not prevent the required emergency exit. Make sure the installation complies with the applicable building-code requirements.
STEP 6

Can You Install a Window Well Cover Yourself?

Yes. Many standard window well covers can be installed by a homeowner using basic tools.

Always follow the installation instructions supplied by the cover manufacturer.

DIY INSTALLATION

How to Install a Standard Window Well Cover

  1. Clean the top edge and surrounding area of the window well.
  2. Place the cover over the opening and centre it against the foundation.
  3. Confirm that the cover extends far enough over the window well without interfering with the basement window.
  4. Mark the locations for the supplied clips or brackets.
  5. Attach the clips, brackets or other hardware according to the manufacturer's installation instructions.
  6. Reposition the cover and make sure it is secure.
  7. Check that the cover cannot easily move in strong wind.
Do not permanently block required emergency access. Covers installed over an egress window should be capable of allowing the required exit.
STEP 7

Check Drainage and Grading Around the Window Well

A window well cover should not be treated as a substitute for proper drainage.

Surface water around the house should move away from the foundation, rather than toward the basement window.

The bottom of the window well should also be free from accumulated leaves, soil and other material that could interfere with drainage.

Warning Sign: If you see standing water inside the window well after rainfall, especially if the water rises toward the bottom of the basement window, the drainage system should be inspected.
STEP 8

Check Exterior Caulking Around the Basement Window

While the window well is accessible, inspect the exterior perimeter of the basement window.

Old, cracked or separated caulking may allow water to enter around the window frame even when a window well cover is installed.

Damaged exterior sealant should be removed and replaced with the appropriate exterior-grade sealant when necessary.

Remember: The cover, drainage system, exterior grading and window sealing work together. A problem in one area can still allow water into the basement.
CUSTOM OPTION

Custom Window Well Covers in Toronto & GTA

Many older homes in Toronto have window wells that do not match standard retail cover dimensions.

In these situations, a custom cover can provide a much cleaner and more precise fit.

Toronto Handyman works with WindowWellCovers.ca, which specializes in custom window well covers for Toronto and the GTA.

Custom Window Well Covers → View Installation Gallery →
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Prefer to Have the Cover Installed for You?

If you prefer not to measure, drill or install a standard window well cover yourself, Toronto Handyman can help.

You can purchase the appropriate ready-made cover yourself and have us install it.

During the service visit, we can also visually inspect the surrounding basement window area for common maintenance issues such as deteriorated exterior caulking, visible gaps or loose components.

Toronto Handyman for Installation →
FAQ

Common Window Well Cover Questions

Will a window well cover prevent basement flooding?

A properly fitted cover can help reduce rain and melting snow entering the window well, but it cannot correct a failed drainage system, improper grading or other waterproofing problems.

Can a window well cover keep animals out?

A properly fitted cover can help discourage small animals from entering the window well and reduce the chance of animals becoming trapped inside.

Can I install a window well cover myself?

Yes. Many ready-made covers are suitable for DIY installation when the well is measured correctly and the manufacturer's mounting instructions are followed.

When should I order a custom cover?

A custom cover is useful when the window well has an unusual size or shape, when standard covers leave large gaps, or when you want a more precise finished appearance.

Should window well covers be clear?

Clear covers are popular because they allow natural daylight to continue reaching the basement window while protecting the window well from weather and debris.

Toronto & GTA

Need Help With a Window Well Cover?

Toronto Handyman can help with ready-made window well cover installation and inspection of common maintenance issues around basement windows. For custom covers, visit our partner WindowWellCovers.ca.

REQUEST INSTALLATION CUSTOM COVERS