Basic installation guide for Illumicast pre-cast window wells
Precautions:
1. Make sure the skid loader, backhoe, the chain, and the eye bolt can adequately handle the concrete pieces. The eye bolt and chain need to be rated for overhead lifting. The five foot end panel weighs about 1400 pounds.
2. Make sure the ground is stable when you hang the window well.
3. Never allow anyone to be in any position of danger should there be operator error, lifting device or equipment failure, or other problems.
Installation:
1. Make sure the hole is excavated adequately. For the 5’ wide egress well, the hole should be about 6.5’ wide and 4 feet out from the house. For the 3.5” wide egress well, the hole should be 5’ wide and 4 feet out from the house.
2. Look at elevation. This step is important because good slope and drainage is imperative to a successful installation. The top of the window well should be at least 3 inches above dirt line (and the dirt should slope away from the house adequately) and the bottom of the well should be at least 4 inches below window opening.
3. Drill 1 1/8” hole through the structurally sound concrete basement wall 10” below point where you want the top of the window well.
For the 5’ wide window well, the holes are 64” apart center to center.
For the 3.5’ wide window well, the holes are 46” apart center to center.
Note: For the daylight well, drill 7/8” holes 47” apart, also 10 inches down from the top.
4. Tighten 1” allthread into the coupler nuts in the side window well pieces. (NOTE: Do not overtighten). The allthread should be 5 inches longer than wall thickness. Put a strip of bentonite around the allthread to prevent any chance of moisture in the basement.
5. Thread ¾” eyebolt that is rated for overhead lifting into the top of the side panels. Attach chain securely to the skid steer and eyebolt.
6. Hang side panels making sure they are plumb. Put washer and nut on the inside of the basement wall so that the panels are secure but not too tight.
7. Lift end panel into position and make sure it fits wells. Sometimes the side panels will need to be shifted a little for a nice fit.
8. Tighten nuts on inside of basement wall.
9. If there is a gap between one of the bottom tabs of the end panel and the bottom of a side panel, shim with tuckpointing or a metal shim. (Gaps are ususally caused by twisted basement walls.)
10. Waterproof the joints of the window well and the joints between the side panels and the basement. (Through the Roof is a good DIY product)
11. Make sure window well is square.
12. Start backfilling against end panel and fill sides evenly. We highly recommend tamping the backfill.
13. Install a good cover.