When considering egress window installations for your home, understanding how different materials perform over time is vital. At ItIsWell Egress, we know that choosing the right material for your window well or egress window system affects not only safety and compliance but also long-term value and peace of mind. In this article, we’ll explore the common materials—steel, plastic (or polymer), masonry/concrete, fiberglass—and how they stack up in terms of lifespan and durability.
Why Material Choice Matters for Egress Windows
The material you select for your egress window and window well isn’t just about appearance. It influences:
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how well the system withstands soil and weather pressure
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how long it lasts before needing repair or replacement
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how it helps offer escape in emergencies (as required by code)
At ItIsWell Egress, we emphasize that the right material supports both function and longevity. For example, steel window wells are known for their robustness and longevity. They can withstand various weather conditions and are resistant to rust and corrosion.
Steel Window Wells and Frame Systems
Steel remains one of the most durable choices when properly treated. Because of its strength, it resists deformation under soil pressure and offers excellent load-bearing capacity.
Durability Highlights:
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Hot-dip galvanized or powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion significantly longer than untreated metal.
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Many steel installations, when well maintained (coating intact, proper drainage, no standing water), can last 25-30 years or more in favorable conditions.
Considerations:
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Higher upfront cost than plastic or basic polymer wells.
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Requires professional installation for heavy components and proper anchoring.
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Periodic inspection of the coating, joints, and drainage is necessary to ensure longevity.
When to Choose It: If your basement conversion is a long-term investment, you live in a region with heavier soil movement or moisture, or you want the strongest material for safety and durability.
Plastic / Polymer Window Wells
Polymer (sometimes referred to as “plastic”) window wells are popular thanks to ease of installation, lower cost, and resistance to rust by virtue of being non-metal.
Advantages:
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Lightweight and easier for DIY or simpler installations.
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Cannot rust, which is helpful in humid or wet soils.
Limitations:
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Less load-bearing capacity compared to steel or masonry.
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Over long-term exposure to UV, freeze/thaw cycles or impact may cause brittleness, cracking, or warping.
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Aesthetic options may be more limited and structural repair could require full replacement rather than patching.
Best For Scenarios: Projects with moderate lifespan expectations, lower budget or less structural load, or where quick installation is desirable.
Masonry / Concrete Window Wells
Masonry and poured concrete window wells are among the premium choices when aesthetics and longevity are important. They offer customization and a robust structure.
Durability Strengths:
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Immense structural strength; ideal where soil conditions or loads are high.
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Custom finishes mean the well becomes an architectural feature rather than a functional afterthought.
Trade-Offs:
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Higher cost both in materials and labor.
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Longer installation time and may require heavier equipment or more complicated permitting.
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Maintenance still necessary: inspect for cracks, seal joints, ensure drainage to prevent water infiltration and freeze damage.
Ideal For: High-end homes, long-term ROI projects, or where you want the basement to feel integrated with the rest of the home environment.
Fiberglass and Composite Materials
While less common than the big three, fiberglass and composite window wells are gaining traction thanks to their tailored performance.
Key Benefits:
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Lightweight yet strong—easier to install in tricky exterior spaces.
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Will not rust or corrode, which is a plus in high-moisture or basement-wet-area environments.
What to Watch:
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Because they are newer in many markets, long-term track records may not match steel or concrete.
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Cost can run higher than basic polymer.
Good Use Case: When installation space is very constrained, when moisture is a major concern, or when you want a material that combines low maintenance with good performance.
Material Lifespan Summary Table
| Material | Expected Lifespan* | Key Maintenance Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | ~25-30 yrs or more | Inspect coating, clear drainage, monitor corrosion |
| Polymer/Plastic | ~15-25 yrs | Check for brittleness, warping, ensure drainage |
| Masonry/Concrete | ~30-50 yrs+ when done well | Inspect for cracks, seal joints, maintain drainage |
| Fiberglass/Composite | ~20-30 yrs+ | Inspect surface, ensure drainage, monitor for damage |
* These are approximate and depend heavily on installation quality, local climate, soil and drainage conditions, and maintenance frequency.
How ItIsWell Egress Ensures Long Durability
At ItIsWell Egress, we don’t just pick a material and install — we ensure your system is optimized for longevity. From free estimates to permitting to finish work, we make sure factors affecting lifespan are addressed:
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Proper drainage behind the well and around the foundation to prevent water pressure and freeze damage.
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Use of corrosion-resistant finishes and anchoring systems (for example, steel wells with galvanization or powder-coat).
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Attention to insulation and seal detail so thermal movement or moisture ingress don’t degrade the system.
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Offering material options that align with your budget, aesthetic goals and intended lifespan — whether you’re looking for a quick basement update or a long-term investment in home value.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Project
When you’re deciding which material to select for an egress window well or system, consider these questions:
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How long do you plan to stay in the home and use the basement as living space?
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What are your soil and moisture conditions? Are you in a high-water table area, freeze/thaw climate, or heavy soil load zone?
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What is your budget versus your desired return on investment? A higher-cost material may pay off if it avoids replacement in 10-15 years.
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What aesthetic or architectural style do you have? Do you want the well to “match” the home or be more utilitarian?
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What level of maintenance do you want? Some materials require less upkeep but cost more upfront.
Ensuring Durability Beyond the Material
Even the best material can fail prematurely if installation or maintenance is neglected. Here are effective tips to ensure your egress system lasts:
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Ensure correct drainage: Water behind the well creates hydrostatic pressure. A well-draining back-fill and weep system helps.
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Inspect regularly: At least once or twice a year, check for signs of rust (on metal), brittleness (on polymer), cracks (in masonry) or surface damage (in fiberglass).
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Clear debris: Leaves, soil, plant roots or standing water around the well can accelerate deterioration.
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Address repairs promptly: Small cracks or coating issues can escalate if left unchecked.
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Follow code and manufacturer guidelines: ItIsWell Egress emphasizes meeting egress code requirements while selecting durable materials, so your basement remains safe and legal.
Elevating Your Basement with Confidence
Your egress window is more than just an exit—it’s part of how your basement lives, functions, and adds value to your home. By choosing the right material and trusting a professional installer like ItIsWell Egress, you’re making a decision that impacts safety, aesthetics, and longevity. Whether you opt for steel for its strength, polymer for its cost and ease, masonry for long-term value, or fiberglass for its corrosion resistance, each material has its place depending on your goals.
Allow us at ItIsWell Egress to guide you through selecting the material that aligns with your home, your time-horizon, and your style. We handle everything—from estimate to permitting to finish—so you can rest assured your egress window system will perform beautifully for years.
Get Started on a Durable Egress System
Contact ItIsWell Egress today to schedule your free estimate. Let’s discuss material options and build a basement escape solution that lasts.
