Q: "Why do I need one of these window wells?"
A: They are required in new home construction, and the use of Scapewel Egress Window Wells satisfies Section 310 of UBC and the IRC 2003 Building Code for basement egress.  Even if you have an older home, installing one of our units just makes sense.  In the event of a fire or other emergency it's nearly or totally impossible to escape from a traditional small basement window.  Scapewel could save your family's life.  Without a Scapewel, the only way out of most basements would be up the stairs.  Our window well helps your family stay safe by providing an easy exit from your basement in an emergency!  To learn more about how these units satisfy International Residential Code, click here.

Q: "How are they constructed?"
A: They are constructed of blow-molded high density polyethylene resin, and filled with rigid setting, closed cell polyurethane foam for added strength and rigidity. All panels are UV stabilized for low maintenance.  The panels have a textured finish with lines that give the illusion of block.  The outer wall (the one with the steps) is slightly contoured outward to provide more rigidity after backfilling.

Q: "How are these units different from other window wells?"
A: In our opinion they're by far the best looking window wells on the market today.  We are impressed with the overall quality and ease of installation.  With other competitor window wells you can look forward to seeing an unsightly ladder, or corrugated steps.  Not with Scapewel!  The steps on these units (although beautiful by themselves) can serve a second use - as a planter for your favorite plants and flowers!  Just look at the photos on our Scapewel page!  

Q: "Does the windowwell units come with a window?"
A: No.  Customers have different tastes in styles, brands and sizes of windows, therefore we let you choose your favorite window.  Also, since some of our customers purchase these wells to replace other types and brands of window wells, some of our customer may already have a suitable window in place.

Q: "Do I need to purchase an optional cover?"
A: No, you don't need to but we recommend one!  The optional clear cover helps keep pets, leaves and snow out of your well, while still providing maximum sunlight and some ventilation.

Q: "Do I need to purchase an optional metal grate?"
A: Again, you don't need to but we recommend one!  The optional metal grate helps keep pets, leaves and debris out of your well, while providing maximum ventilation and sunlight.  Grates are constructed of steel and protected by a baked on primer finish.  Customers may paint the grates to blend in with their home's appearance.

Q: "How do the optional clear covers and grates fit onto the units?"
A: Clear covers attach with small metal clips.  The metal clips are fastened onto the well unit, and the covers simply clip into place.  The clips have a certain amount of tolerance to compensate for slight errors that might be made during construction.  Since the outer panels (the step panels) are contoured outward, there will be a slight gap (about 3/4") between the cover or grate and the center-most point on the window well.  This gap is intended.  Metal grates simply lay in place over the well unit.  Flanges on the sides overlap the well, holding them in place.

Q: "How can I find an installer to install my window well?"
A: Most general contractors or masonry contractors in your area will be happy to help you with installation.  Simply choose one you know or know of, or look in your local Yellow Pages under "Contractors".  Like any project, you might be willing and able to do some of the work yourself to keep installation costs down.  Basically for existing homes you will need to excavate, cut the window opening, install the window and well, brace and backfill.  Installing the window well unit itself is a pretty easy task. It's the site work and preparation (ie: creating the opening) that is the most effort. You might have to make a few phone calls to find someone that has the tools and experience to do the job to your satisfaction. Even if you call a contractor that can't help you, that contractor may be able to recommend another one that can.  

Q: "Can these units be installed in existing homes?"
A: Absolutely!  Many of our customers purchase them for this purpose.  The first step would be to excavate the area where the window well will be located. Make sure to check for underground wires and utilities before digging.  The size of the area will vary depending on the size of the unit you choose. The area will need to be a couple of feet wider than the window well to allow adequate space in which to work. Then the window opening must be cut with a concrete saw. You will want to choose someone with experience in this area.  Before cutting, you must make sure that the wall in which you are opening is not a supporting wall. A good rule of thumb is that if the floor joists terminate above the window, it's probably a supporting wall.  It's best to let a qualified professional make the final determination.  Either way, a window well unit and a window can be installed on the wall, but a header may need to be installed above the window on a supporting wall.  Once the window opening is cut, installing the well unit is pretty easy. The unit just snaps together. The brackets are fastened to the wall using concrete screws or wedge anchors (which we can provide). Once your well is fastened to the wall, you will need to cut two boards to lay inside of the well to provide cross-bracing. This will keep the well unit square during backfilling.  In short: Installing the Scapewel in an existing home is pretty easy... it is the site work and preparation (ie: creating the opening) that is the most effort, but we're sure you'll agree that the finished installation will be worth the effort!

Q: "What's the difference between 'buck mounting' and 'foundation mounting'?"
A: Most of our customers seem to prefer 'foundation mounting'.  This is the method in which the mounting flanges are positioned toward the outside of the window well.  Mounting your window well unit using the foundation-mount method will prevent the fasteners from being visible after installation (the brackets will be buried behind the backfill).  'Buck mounting' is the method in which the mounting flanges are positioned toward the inside of the window well.  When 'buck mounting', the Scapewel unit is secured directly to the window buck.  Either way is acceptable.  Some prefer one way, other prefer the other way.

Q: "What is a window buck?"
A: It's the wooden frame that surrounds the window.  When the window is installed in a concrete wall the contractor builds a wooden frame, or window buck, around the window.  The window buck (containing the window) is then fastened to the concrete wall.

Q: "Do I have to request either 'buck mount' or 'foundation mount' when ordering my Scapewel?"
A: No!  The brackets will be set for "foundation mount' when you remove them from the package.  If you choose 'buck mount', simply reverse the brackets.

Q: "I'm putting one of your wells in an existing basement.  How big of a window opening should I saw out?"
A: We can't help you there.  We leave the window selection and installation to the customer because there are so many variables with selecting the best window for your needs.  If you need assistance with cutting a window opening, or are unsure of how big of an opening to cut, we recommend consulting with a qualified contractor in your area.

Q: "What are the dimensions of the products?"
A: Complete specifications can be found here.  The ordering page also lists the product shipping weights.

Q: "Will my window well flood during heavy rain?"
A: Not if it's installed properly.  Rain water within the window well will drain down through the "open" bottom of and into your foundation drainage system (if you've properly installed your unit per the instructions).  Since all of the sides around the window well unit are to be backfilled with gravel, rainwater should never have a chance to reach the sides of your well, and will drain naturally into the earth, or your home's foundation drainage system.  Rain water along the sides of the well will drain througo a rock bed that's established below the window well during installation.  Under the optimum condition (although certainly not required) you can tie the window well in to your existing perimeter drainage system by running a drain pipe down into the foundation perimeter drain.  Again, this is not required.  As long as care is taken during installation, no problems should be experienced.  If you still have concerns, we would highly recommend purchasing an optional clear cover.

Q: "What is the projection of the well from the foundation at the bottom of the well?"
A: It's 30", which satisfies the International Residential Code (IRC) 2003 Building Code for basement egress.

Q: "How high are the steps?"
A: The bottom panel is 21" high and the top panel (or top two panels on the 3-tier models) are 17" high.  These figures, along with specifications can be found here.

Q: "I have children.  Can they stand on the clear cover?  Will it hold the weight of a person?"
A: Probably not.  The clear covers are manufactured from high-impact clear polycarbonate material.  They are dome-shaped (higher in the center).  These covers are designed to allow water/snow to slide off, and to keep debris out of your window well.  While they are well made and durable, they are not designed to hold weight.  Therefore, we do not recommend standing or walking on the cover.

Q: "How about the metal grates?  Can they be walked on?"
A: Again, we don't recommend it.  The metal grates are designed to keep debris out and allow fresh air into your well.  Metal grates are not designed for foot traffic.  For safety reasons, and to keep your metal grate looking its best, we do not recommend walking or standing on the metal grate.     

Q: "How will my order be shipped?"
A: Well units are shipped in two boxes: one box contains the step panels and one box contains the side panels.  Wells must be shipped by truck, and are palletized.  Clear covers must also ship palletized and via truck due to their size.  Metal Grates are able to ship via UPS, but are shipped by truck if the order includes a Scapewel unit(s) or Clear Cover(s).

Q: "How heavy are the window wells?  Will I be able to unload them from the truck?"
A: They weigh anywhere between 121 lbs and 201 lbs.  Since they're shipped in two cartons each, the weight of each box will be less.  Covers weigh anywhere between 25 and 37 lbs.  Metal Grates weigh between 40 and 59 lbs.  Extension panels weigh between 50 and 62 lbs.  When ordering, please keep in mind that the carrier may require you, as the recipient, to unload the product from the truck.  The delivering truck line will contact you before delivery to arrange a delivery time.  Depending on your abilities you may wish to have help available to assist with unloading.  Sometimes the truck driver will be willing to assist, but some are not so willing.  Before ordering, please make sure to read these terms as outlined on our Ordering Policies page.  

Q: "How much can I expect to pay for shipping?"
A: Shipping charges are included in the price of the item in most of the United States.  A $40 delivery charge applies to deliveries destined for Washington state, Oregon, California, Nevada and the southwestern part of Texas.  Click here to see our shipping map.  If you have request special shipping requirements additional shipping charges may apply.

Q: "Why do you offer a $25 discount if I purchase a Clear Cover with my Well?"
A: We'd rather ship the cover now than have to ship one to you later.  The reason?  The clear covers travel much better when wrapped on to the top of a pallet containing a well unit.  There's less chance of breakage.  Less risk to us means more savings to you.

Q: "I am placing an order online that's supposed to include FREE shipping, but shipping charges appear!"
A: As indicated throughout our website, that's because our shopping cart software is unable to deduct it.  It is programmed for a minimum shipping charge.  If your order qualifies, please rest assured that we will make the deduction manually.

Q: "I'm ordering a window well and a clear cover , but shipping charges appear!  Where's my $25 discount"
A: Again, we must make this deduction manually.  The total that appears when submitting your online order may not be the true and final total once all discounts are applied!

Q: "Does this product come with a warranty?"
A: Yes!  Wells comes with a 5-year warranty against defects in material or workmanship, provided that the window well has been installed in accordance with the installation instructions.

Q: "Any recommendations about things I should watch for during construction?"
A: As long as all installation directions are followed no problems should be encountered.  Make sure not to skip installation steps such as bracing.  Proper bracing when backfilling assures your window well won't shift out of square during backfilling.  If the window well isn't square after installation is complete, covers and grates may not fit properly.  Backfilling should be done by hand and using 3/4" clean free-draining rock about 12" in width around the window well, and to within 4" of the top step panel.  This will keep window well movement to a minimum during freeze/thaw cycles and setting soil.  Make sure to provide a rock bed below the window well into which water can drain (or drain the well into your existing perimeter drainage system).  Bottom of window well should be filled with pea gravel to about 3 1/2" below the window sill.  When installed, side panels must extend 4" above grade.  You can see photos of the installation process here.

Q: "I still have unanswered questions!"
A: Please let us answer them for you.  We welcome you to call us at (800) 837-5674, fax us at (219) 324-2482 or email your request by clicking here.  We'll be happy to answer any questions you might have!