FAQ

FAQ:
WINDOW WELL LADDERS
; Easy to assemble
; Installs in minutes
; Blends with metal well
; All aluminum
; No paint - No rust
The Model WWL is designed with aluminum hooks to hang over the lip of a metal well. The hooks
require 1” of the metal well to be above ground in order to properly hook over the well. Once in
position, the hook ensures the top rung of the ladder is 18 inches from the top of the well.
The Model WWL-W on the other hand is designed for use with brick, concrete, or wood window
wells where the grate must be mounted, as the hook can not accommodate a thicker well wall.
This model requires that the installer of the ladder be able to properly mount the ladder into one
of the sides of the well with the proper anchors or screws (not included) and in the proper location
so as to meet municipal building codes.
What is the difference between the WWL and WWL-W Models?
Adjust-A-Grate offers the Model WWL-X as a 1-foot extensions that can be added to either the
WWL or WWL-W models. The extensions are assembled in the same manner as the existing steps
in the current ladder and then ends (as described in the instructions) are moved to the bottom of
the after all extension segments have been added.
What if my well is deeper than 5 feet?
Both the WWL and WWL-W models are designed to meet the IRC Code when installed properly.
Some municipalities will add additional requirements above and beyond the IRC code so check
your local codes to determine if this solution is appropriate for you.
It is also important to note that window wells that exceed 60” (5 ft) of depth will require ladder
extension kit(s) to be compliant with the IRC.
The current International Residential Code reads:
R310.2.1 Ladder and steps. Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches
(1118 mm) shall be equipped with a permanently afxed ladder or steps usable with the
window in the fully open position. Ladders or steps required by this section shall not be
required to comply with Sections R311.5 and R311.6. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside
width of at least 12 inches (305 mm), shall project at least 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall
and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on center vertically for the full
height of the window well.
Does this ladder meet code?
Model WWL include two sheet metal screws and instructions to permanently mount the ladder
to the well as described in the directions to be compliant with IR Code. Mounting the ladder does
require the ability to drill through the ladder.
Model WWL-W do not include mounting hardware but do need to be permanently afxed to the
well in the appropriate manner for your window well material to be compliant with IR Code.
Are the ladders permanently afxed to the well?