• • Building codes can vary from state to state and municipality to municipality, so you should always check your local building codes for any regulations about size and types of covers, as well as rules about window wells and egress.
  • The well must extend 550 mm beyond the fully open window (for an out-swinging window) or beyond the wall (for an in-swinging window). The bottom of the window must also be no more than 1 m above the ground.
  • Emergency escape and rescue openings are based on your location and your city or local area building code even if they are almost the same for all North America.
  • Your state/county may have different requirements for basement egress and emergency escape codes.
  • Discover your local requirements for an emergency exit from window wells, including, please note, due to the government’s constantly changing nature, please verify with your local county building inspector to double-check your code requirements before starting a project.
  • We try to keep this database up to date as best as possible, but express no warranties on the accuracy of information. Window well minimum size, Ladder requirements, and Operational constraints.

Frame size :

• • Frame profile: 50 × 50 × 5 mm (2" × 2" × 3/16") steel angle or 50 × 25 × 3 mm (2" × 1" × 1/8") rectangular tube for a cleaner, more architectural look.

Why this works:

• • Visually matches what’s in your photos (not flimsy, not overbuilt).
  • Easily handles residential snow load + a person stepping on it.
  • Matches or exceeds typical “safety grate” frames used in branded systems.

If you want a slightly lighter option for smaller wells (say up to 48" wide):

• • 40 × 40 × 4 mm (1‑1/2" × 1‑1/2" × 1/8") angle is still credible and competitive.

Round bar diameter

For window well grates (not industrial catwalks), the sweet spot is:

• • Recommended main spec: Ø 12 mm (½") solid round steel bar
  • Acceptable lighter option (small spans): Ø 10 mm (3/8") solid round bar
  • Heavy-duty/premium option (large spans or “extra heavy duty” upsell): Ø 16 mm (5/8") solid round bar

Why 12 mm is ideal as your standard:

• • Looks substantial in photos and in person—no “rebar DIY” vibe.
  • Easily supports a person standing on it with typical bar spacing (see below).
  • Aligns with common bar grating bearing bar sizes used for pedestrian applications.

Bar spacing (center‑to‑center)

For safety, debris control, and a clean look:

• • Recommended spacing: 38–50 mm (1‑1/2" to 2") center‑to‑center

This gives you:

• • Small enough openings to feel safe for kids’ feet and pets.
  • Large enough openings for good airflow and drainage.
  • A visual density that matches what’s in your photos and what competitors show.

Cross‑supports / secondary bars

From the photos, you clearly have:

• • Perimeter frame
  • One or more cross‑supports running across the short span

Recommended:

• • Cross‑supports: Flat bar 40 × 6 mm (1‑1/2" × 1/4") or similar, welded under the round bars
  • Spacing: every 400–600 mm (16"–24") along the length, depending on grate size.

This keeps deflection low and makes the grate feel “solid” when stepped on.

Sheet/metal thickness

For the frame and supports:

• • Angle/tube wall thickness: 3–5 mm (1/8"–3/16") is the realistic, competitive range.
  • Flat bar supports: 6 mm (1/4") thickness is a good standard.

This matches what serious window‑well and safety‑grate manufacturers use for residential applications. 

Standard Specs 

• • Material: Powder‑coated steel
  • Frame: Approx. 2" × 2" × 3/16" welded steel angle (or equivalent structural profile)
  • Grate Bars: Approx. ½" solid round steel bars
  • Bar Spacing: Approx. 1‑1/2" to 2" on center
  • Reinforcement: Welded perimeter frame with intermediate cross‑supports
  • Finish: Exterior‑grade black powder‑coat (custom colours available)
  • Load Rating: Designed for residential snow load and pedestrian safety
  • Weather‑Resistant Powder‑Coated Steel for long‑term outdoor performance
  • Welded Round‑Bar Construction for maximum strength and rigidity
  • Safety‑Oriented Design preventing falls and blocking debris
  • Improved Airflow for Basement Ventilation
  • Custom Fabrication for any shape or size
  • Easy Installation with pre‑drilled mounting points
  • Low Maintenance and long service life

For more information and assistance regarding Equipment Steel Bases, please contact us at:

• • Email: Info@taimco.ca
  • Phone: 2899992334