Winter maintenance · Window Well Covers

How to Prepare Your Window Wells for Winter in Toronto

Quick answer: Before the first snowfall, clear loose leaves from the well, inspect how the cover sits, and decide where shoveled snow will go. After a thaw, look for standing water and check that the window and cover still open as intended.

Clear fall debris while the well is easy to reach

Remove loose leaves and twigs you can reach from ground level without leaning into the well. Pay attention to the space around the window sill and any visible drain opening. Wet leaves can hide standing water or a loose cover edge. If debris is out of reach or you find a damaged well, arrange an inspection.

Check the cover before the first freeze

Look for loose fasteners, cracks around attachment points, and a panel that rocks on the rim. If the cover is hinged, check its operation according to the installer’s instructions. For a window that serves as an emergency exit, ask your installer to assess any change that affects opening from inside.

Choose where to pile snow before you shovel

If a window well sits beside the driveway or a side path, plan where you will put the snow before clearing the route. Keep snow piles and plow windrows away from the well and keep the cover accessible. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for clearing loose snow and ice from the cover. Avoid prying frozen edges or striking the panel with a shovel.

Look for standing water after a thaw

Check the well after a mild spell or rain on snow. Note whether water appears to run in from nearby paving or a downspout, or whether it stays in the bottom of the well after the surrounding area has drained. Photos taken during and after the thaw can help someone assess the source. Ask a drainage or foundation professional about recurring standing water or water reaching the window.

Clean the cover when temperatures allow

Follow the care instructions for your specific cover. For clear polycarbonate, start by rinsing off loose grit and use a soft cloth with a manufacturer-approved cleaner. Inspect the dry panel afterward so you can distinguish remaining dirt from damage around the edges.