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willshak willshak is offline
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Default Suggestions for durable window well cover

on 7/9/2009 4:35 PM (ET) blueman wrote the following:
I need a basement window well cover to provide protection from both
water/snow and from stray basketballs (the windows are near our
basketball hoop).

I have previously purchased the "better" quality MacCourt plastic well
covers at Lowes but despite their 10 year warranty, they tend to
shatter after a couple of winters and repeated basketball
strikes. Plus they aren't particularly nice looking or sturdy and they
don't fit that great (since they are 1 size fits all...)

So, I am looking for suggestions on how to build my own custom window
well covers.

I would like to satisfy the following design parameters:
- Keep (most) water/snow out
- Strong enough not to be damaged by basketball impact (and other
things kids do)
- Able to survive many heat/thaw cycles (New England winters &
summers)
- Let maximum light in
- Look good on an Italian mansard house
- Easy to move/remove to get access to the well but solid enough not
to be budged by snow or errant basketballs

I have been thinking of building a lean-two like frame out of 1x1 PT
wood and then cover it with Lexan.


I like your lean-to idea, but I would just get the 1/4" lexan sheets and
the appropriate lexan cement and glue the slant top to the sides. I
would also put a 2" wide lexan brace across the back top, where the
lean-to sits against the wall, for side to side strength.

But I would love to hear alternatives plus get more detailed
suggestions on design & materials including what to use for the frame,
what to use for the skin, what fasteners, etc...



--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
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