There are many different materials to choose from when designing your egress window well. Although one option may be more appealing than another, homeowners will want to understand the key benefits and drawbacks for each before deciding. Understanding the type of material that you are using could save you money on repairs and replacements down the road.
Wood
Homeowners often chose pretreated wood for they window well due to its attractive look. With many options on the market, you can choose from a variety of styles to fit the existing style of your home. While there are benefits to using wood for its aesthetics, there are drawbacks that could be costly in the long run. Wood breaks down as moisture in the soil begins to penetrate, causing it to rot and require replacement. Homeowners will want to consider the lifespan of the wood used when deciding on this material for their well.
Concrete
Affordability and durability make cement an appealing option to homeowners. Concrete, like wood, tends to break down with long-term exposure to moisture. This could cause your window well to deteriorate over time, requiring touch-ups to maintain its strength.
Metal
We would recommend metal wells over the previous two options for several reasons. Metal wells are waterproof and durable, and they hold their shape in any climate. If you are worried about leaking, you can rest easy with a metal well as they deflect 98% of rain according to Do It Yourself. However, window wells don’t offer the same clean, finished look. Homeowners could opt to apply a liner to decorate them if they want the benefits while still giving space an elevated look and feel.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass egress window wells combine all the benefits. Strategically placed glass fibers combined with resin give fiberglass its impeccable strength and durability. Fiberglass doesn’t rust, rot, or deteriorate under extreme conditions as with other materials that can be used for window wells, making it an ideal option for longevity. Additionally, fiberglass can be designed to mimic a variety of textures. Shape Products offers two fiberglass egress window wells that are designed to imitate natural landscaping textures.
With all the benefits of a fiberglass egress window well, they come at a higher price that the alternatives. Though homeowners may want to weigh the cost of the well against the cost of repair and replacement before deciding on their well.
