Instructions / Assembly
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Egress Window Wells | Installation Instructions for Wellcraft 5600 Series
IMPORTANT: Read these instructions thoroughly before installing the well.
Wellcraft is not responsible for claims resulting from the failure of the contractor or homeowner to properly install
or maintain Wellcraft Wells.
Call your local diggers hotline before beginning excavation to avoid accidental contact with underground lines.
Consult with the local building inspector for the building code requirements in your area.
Gutters, down spouts, faucets on exterior walls, sprinkler heads, and sump pumps must be at least 10 feet away from
the window well. All water should be directed away from the well.
Always have the final installation approved by the local building inspector.
Heavy equipment must stay a minimum of 10 feet away from the well. Polyethylene, although extremely durable can
be damaged by heavy equipment.
Digging
Mark a center line (see figure A) on the foundation above the window.
Mark two lines (see figure A) 30.5 inches on either side of the center line for the total width of the well (61 inches total).
This is the maximum width of the well to the outside of the flange. (Keep the well’s flanges on these lines, to assure
the cover will fit properly, when installed.)
Dig the hole so it is centered across the window opening and large enough to accommodate the well and a working
area. The hole should be dug deep enough to tie into the house perimeter drain. Connect the window well drain
system to the perimeter drain system to provide adequate drainage of any water that may enter the window well
(see figure C). These pipes must be a minimum of 6 inches in diameter and capped such that stones or dirt can’t enter
the drain system but water can enter easily. (Window well drain system not supplied.)
Fill the bottom of the hole with pea stone and level to a minimum of 4 inches below the window sill. This will be the
bottom of the well.
Mounting
Determine the vertical mounting location. Wellcraft window wells should be installed with the top edge of the well
above the top edge of the window so that the well does not interfere with the window opening, and to allow the
cover to fit properly. The steps should be at the top of each section when installed. The top edge of the well should
also be approximately 3 inches above final grade. The grade should slope a minimum of 1 inch per foot away from
the building (see figure C).
The foundation must be flat and clean of all debris to assure a proper fit of the flange to the house. Seal the outside
and inside of the flange area touching the foundation with a professional grade of silicon caulk (not included).
Drill holes for fasteners using the middle pair of pre-drilled holes in the mounting flanges to accommodate your
fasteners. (Note : The top section must have an anchor on the top hole also.) For poured concrete foundations use 3/8
x 2 3/4 inch wedge anchors. For block foundations use 3/8 x 1-7/16 sleeve anchors. Use a washer with a 1” minimum
diameter on all fasteners. RAM-SET activated fasteners should not be used. (Anchors not included.)
Set the first section (see figure D) in the bottom of the hole and make sure it is level and in the proper location.
Attach the first section of the well to the wall using the middle pair of pre-drilled holes (see figure B). The second
section will overlap the first section by 6 inches. Snap the tabs of the second section into the slot of the first section.
Attach the second section to the wall using the middle pair of pre-drilled holes. Repeat these instructions for each
section you want to add (see figure E). Attach the last section using the top hole and middle 2 pre-drilled holes. Once
you have installed the last section, glue two tab hole covers in the open holes on each side of the top section
(available separately).
Backfill
Pea stone shall be used to backfill the well. (see figure C and F) The backfilling shall be done by hand and evenly
distributed as the filling occurs. Pea stone will allow the excess water against the exterior of the well to drain away
easily to the perimeter drain system that was installed. The top 6 inches can be backfilled with top soil to support
desired vegetation.
Cover (available separately)
A Wellcraft well cover (see figure G) should always be installed to prevent people and animals from stepping into
the open well. Wellcraft is not responsible for accidents caused by failure to have a well cover installed. If well was
installed on an existing window, you must make sure to use a Wellcraft Dome sytle cover to ensure safety around
the well.
In order to ensure the cover fits properly, make sure that the very outside of the flanges are 30.5 inches from the
center of the window (total measurement of 61 inches between the outside of the well flanges).
All Wellcraft Wells are designed to meet IRC 2003 International Residential Code requirements, Section 310, for
Emergency Escape/Rescue window openings for one and two family dwellings. The 5600 well is designed to be used
with up to a 4 foot wide window that meets the egress code. 10-year limited warranty on window wells in effect
when installation instructions are followed. Contact Wellcraft, Inc. for details.
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Existing Construction
v
v
A
New Construction
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WWASHERSIN
MIDDLEPAIROF
PREDRILLEDHOLES
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WASHERSINTOPHOLE
WHENINSTALLINGCOVER
/UTSIDEOFFLANGETO
BEvFROMCENTER
B
E
F
G
New Construction
New Construction
New Construction
Existing Construction
D
New Construction
Existing Construction
Existing Construction
Window
3” allowed for
drainage
6“ topsoil
Well cover
62”
4‘
4“ minimum
between the
window and
bottom of
the well
43”
12” pea stone
backfill
6” drainage pipe
connected to founda-
tion drainage system
1“ per foot slope
for drainage
Mounting surface
must be flat and
clear of debris
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Side view of well installation
C
Existing Construction
Wellcraft, Inc. | 29797 Beck Road | Wixom, MI 48393 | 1-888-812-9545 | www.wellcraftwells.com
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