Winter is on its way, and the snow and freezing temperatures come with it. Many homeowners have egress windows in their basements. An Egress window is a large window with a well to provide an emergency entrance or exit. In many areas of Nebraska and Iowa, egress windows are required by law for basements used as living areas. What some homeowners may not have, however, are egress window covers. Now that the colder months are upon us, now is the best time to get a cover to protect your basement from the extra harsh winter conditions.
Benefits of Egress Window Covers
Obvious reasons to have a cover on your egress window include protecting it against heavy storms and keeping out debris and animals. But here are some extra benefits of having a cover during the winter:
- Prevent Snow and Ice Build-up: A cover will keep snow and ice out of your egress window. Without a cover, you’ll need to continuously shovel the snow to keep it from accumulating and putting pressure on your windows. Shoveling out a window well is awkward, tedious, and potentially dangerous. So, one wrong step could lead to a broken ankle.
- Avoid a wet basement: If snow does accumulate in your window well, as it melts, it can find its way through weak spots in the window and accumulate in your basement. A wet basement can cause problems like mold and mildew, which are dangerous for the air quality of your home.
- Keep Your Home Warm: A cover on your window well can improve your basement insulation. If the cold air is kept out, keeping your home nice and warm this winter is easier.
So, if you need help with egress window covers or even installing an egress window, call Jerry’s Waterproofing. We can help you with everything you need to prepare your home for winter.