Uncovered Window Wells Trap Children
Uncovered window wells become even more hazardous this time of year, as children start playing—and exploring—outdoors. The cure can create new safety hazards if covers are bolted or locked down to prevent emergency egress from the basement.
Denver, CO (PRWEB) April 15, 2005 -- Uncovered window wells become even more
hazardous this time of year, as children start playing—and exploring—outdoors.
The cure can create new safety hazards if covers are bolted or locked down to
prevent emergency egress from the basement.
“Buy a cover that supports
adult weight, locks from the outside to keep out intruders and overly-curious
kids, and unlocks from the inside if you need to get out of your basement in a
hurry,” advises custom window well cover manufacturer Glynn Kierstein.
“A
quality-built window well cover will provide many years of peace of mind and
protection for a very modest investment—especially when considering the price
you may pay for poor quality or no protection at all,” adds Kierstein, maker of
the Coverwell™ custom window well cover.
Selecting a suitable window well
cover can be perplexing. Following are tips to help you decide:
1.
Address strength and durability. Generally, the more you’re willing to spend,
the more strength and longevity you buy. If you want the cover to support the
weight of a child or adult, a major safety consideration, you’ll want a
higher-end plastic or metal cover. And, how long does it need to last without
discoloring or falling apart?
2. Assess less-obvious functionality. Other
important functional issues include sloping to allow water run off, ability to
cover windows that extend above the walls, construction that prevents wind
vibration, and ability to eliminate up to 15% of heat loss through the windows.
Think about what you want the cover to cover in terms of specialized functional
needs.
3. Assess aesthetics. A good-looking window well cover can add to
property value. Think about form versus function. If, for example, you want the
cover to look good for appraisal or resale purposes, buy accordingly.
4.
Consider security. Crime statistics show that 4% of burglars gain access through
basement windows. Think about the security benefits of a locking window well
cover.
5. Consider emergency safety. Think about
egress issues when buying a cover. Type of installation and locking systems will
determine the ability to exit in case of a fire or other emergency.
6.
Get fit. Decide how well you want the cover to fit, both a form and function
consideration. Well-fitting covers help ensure best function (e.g., no gapping
that allows in excessive moisture) and, obviously, can look better than the
result of fitting a square peg into a round hole.
7. Examine ventilation.
Proper ventilation prevents condensation and heat buildup. Determine the
importance of ventilation and buy accordingly.
8. Get light. Some covers
block considerable light—either because of the type of construction or rapid
discoloration. Decide how much light you want, and select a cover that won’t
easily discolor.
9. Mount up. Think about whether the cover will be
mounted to the well or wall. Generally, the less standard your requirements, the
more customization will be required.
10. Clean up. Ease of cleaning
either the well or the cover should be factored into the buying decision. Easy
cover removal, self-cleaning aspects and portability are factors to
consider.
A well-covered window well can add peace of mind, safety,
security and value to your property.
For more information, visit www.coverwell.com;
or contact Kierstein tollfree at 1-877-772-4251 (303-429-7002 inside
Colorado).
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/4/prweb228650.htm