Are metal grates necessary in porches?

My house was built in the mid 1950s and has a metal grate installed towards the back of the porch next to the house. When it rains heavily, I get a lot of water in the basement. I temporarily cover the grate with plastic. Very little water came in during the last heavy rain. Does this grate serve a purpose, or can it be closed up? Any help would be appreciated.

Answers:

From: Tim

I suspect it can be closed unless it's for ventilation to help the underside of the porch dry out.

In my opinion it was once a covering for a coal chute - that's why it's at the back of the porch next to the house. I've seen an example of this recently. In that instance the grate was under a covered porch (didn't take water) so they liked having it there for the novelty of it.

- Tim

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