"Do your egress window wells come with the windows?"
No.  ScapeWEL is an egress window well unit (area wall) only.  It mounts over your existing basement window.
"Do you sell windows?  Where can I purchase windows for these wells?"
No, we don't sell windows, just the egress window wells.  Check your local phonebook for the window dealer of your choosing.  
"Are your egress window wells difficult to install""
No!  They simply attach to the foundation with a few concrete anchors (we can even supply you with the fasteners!)  New construction applications are an easy two-person job.  If installing in an existing home, the most time-consuming and laborious task is the excavating and enlarging of the window opening (which would be required regardless of which brand you choose).  Once you've prepared the opening, installing ScapeWEL is quite easy.  Always check local building codes regarding window well egress standards and requirements.
"What are ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells made from?"
ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells are made from high-density molded polyethylene.  For additional strength, the heavy-duty panels are filled with a structural foam core.  The panels are molded in an attractive driftwood color, which blends in with most any architecture.     
"Tell me more about the steps."
During assembly, the end panels snap in place onto the side panels.  The insets that form the steps are perhaps ScapeWEL's most unique feature!  In addition to providing you with steps for egress, the steps can be filled with soil and used as planters for your favorite plants or flowers!  Unlike some basement egress window wells, where you're forced to look at plain, unattractive fiberglass, ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells allow you to look out onto your own flower garden, if you wish!  
"What is ''Buck-Mounting versus ''Wall-Mounting''?"
These terms describe the two mounting methods that are possible with ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells.  These two separate mounting methods are accomplished by the positioning of the mounting bracket.  The brackets (located along each of the two sides of the ScapeWEL unit) can be removed, and reversed, to accomplish each method.  With the mounting brackets positioned on the outside of the well, this is called Wall-Mounting, and is perhaps the most common method of installation.  Using the Wall-Mounting method, the mounting brackets, and the bolts that hold them in place, are hidden from view outside of the well and behind the backfill dirt.  With the brackets reversed (pointing into the well), this is called Buck-Mounting.  Buck-Mounting allows you to mount the egress window well directly onto the window buck, or frame.  Buck-Mounting allows you to fasten the unit from inside the well (rather than outside of the well).  With Buck-Mounting, the bolts that hold the egress window well in place are visible from inside of the well.
"Do I need to order a clear cover?"
If you have concerns about people or animals falling into the window well then, yes, we would recommend a cover.  In fact, your local building code or covenants may require one.  Clear covers can help keep leaves and debris out of your egress window well, while also helping to keep rain and snow out of the well.  The clear cover is domed, which helps prevent people and animals from stepping on the cover.
"How do the clear covers install?"
The Clear Covers install using 6 small metal clips.  The clips screw into the outside of your egress window well.  The clear cover simply snaps into the clips, holding it in place.  In the event of an emergency simply push up in the center of the cover, up and away from the house.  The cover will pop off of the clips, allowing for safe egress from your basement.  When properly installed, the clips will securely hold the cover in place, even during periods of high wind.  All of the mounting hardware is included with the Clear Cover.
"Will your Clear Covers fit wells OTHER than ScapeWEL?"
Probably not.  They are designed specifically for ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells, and we recommend that they be purchased only for use with ScapeWEL basement window wells.
"Will I need to purchase hardware to install the egress window well?  Is the hardware included with the egress window well?"
Yes, you will need to purchase mounting hardware and, no, it is not included with the well.  The reason for that is that different basement construction styles (poured walls vs. block walls) require different mounting hardware (concrete anchors).  We do sell mounting hardware kits at a nominal price on our Order page, but you can pick this hardware up locally, if you wish.  
"Won't the egress window well get flooded during a heavy rain?"
Not if it's properly installed.  Rain water should drain down through the open bottom of the well and into your home's drainage field.  Water that accumulated around your ScapeWEL Egress Window Well will also drain down along the sides and into your drainage field.  Make sure that, just as with any other window well, your downspouts are directed away from your egress window well.
"Will ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells hold up against UV rays?"
Yes.  They are resistant to UV rays.  
"How about the cold-weather parts of the U.S., with severe freeze / thaw cycles?"
History shows that ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells do as well as any other product.  Homeowners across every part of the U.S. have ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells installed on their homes -  from Minnesota to Texas, from Maine to California.  In fact, we've seen many examples where egress window wells, such as ScapeWEL, hold up better than landscape timber or block / brick area walls.  Unlike timbers, ScapeWEL will never rot or deteriorate.  Unlike bricks or blocks, ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells will not crumble.  ScapeWEL stays looking good for years to come!
"How do I know what size egress window well to order?"
Measuring is actually pretty simple.  We recommend printing off a copy of our Sizing Chart.  In short, locate the grade level (where the dirt meets your foundation).  Then, from that mark, measure down to the top of your basement's window sill.  Make a note of this measurement and add 7 1/2".  The total of these two measurements is the minimum height of egress window well you'll need.  Never go with an egress window well that measures less than this measurement!  It's better to have too much window well than not enough.  Again, please consult the Sizing Chart for complete details.  If you are unsure of which size you might need, please consult with your contractor.
"Can I install a ScapeWEL Window Well by myself?"
Perhaps.  It depends on your level of expertise and your comfort level.  Installation requires careful measuring, excavating, light carpentry, moving of gravel, installation of concrete anchors into your foundation, and other tasks.  Care in following the installation instructions is important in order for your warranty to be valid.  If you are unsure of your abilities and comfort level, we would recommend the assistance of a general contractor.
"Do these egress window wells come with a warranty?"
Absolutely!  ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells come with a 5-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship.  You can read the warranty information by clicking here.  Summit Contractor Supply will be happy to assist you should a warranty claim ever be required.  We always want you to be satisfied with your purchase!
"Is the bottom of the well solid or open?"
They are open.  There is no bottom.  Your new ScapeWEL Basement Egress Window Well is designed for excellent water drainage.
"What kind of bracing/backfilling requirements are there?"
Please consult the Assembly and Installation Instruction Sheet for complete details on bracing and backfilling.
"How much do ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells weigh?"
Unit weights and shipping weights are listed on our Order page for your reference.
"Are extensions available to make the egress window wells taller?"
Yes, but they are already included in the cost of the 81" high units.  To simplify ordering we have created the 81" high units by using the 4862-series wells (62" high), and including the 19" tall extensions in the price.  Customers ordering an 81" tall unit will receive one extra carton with their purchase - the carton containing the extension.  When assembling an egress window well unit to achieve the 81" height, please consult the additional instruction sheet that is provided with the Extension.
"Do your egress window wells meet the current building code?"
ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells  meet the requirements of the International Building Code.  Click here to see how ScapeWEL meets that code.  Certain areas of the U.S. may have specific requirements in addition to the IBC code (usually pertaining to covers).  If in doubt, we recommend that we check with your local government office to see if they have special requirements.
"How long will it take for my ScapeWEL order to arrive?"
Please allow about 10 business days for shipment, and another 3 to 5 business days for truck delivery.  Therefore, in most cases, most ScapeWEL Egress Window Well orders arrive to our customers in about 13-15 business days.  As with any other product, please keep in mind that delays are always possible.  We advise customers to plan ahead when ordering this product, and allow enough time to receive the product before your hole for the egress window well is dug.  
"How are ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells shipped?"
ScapeWEL basement egress window wells are shipped in two cartons.  One carton consists of the side panels, and the other carton contains the end panels.  If you are ordering an 81" high well you will receive a third carton containing the extension section.  And, if you are ordering a clear cover, it will be positioned on top of the other cartons and carefully secured.  All of the cartons will be strapped down to a wooden pallet.
"Will I be able to return ScapeWEL products to you for a refund?"
ScapeWEL products are not available for return.  Because ScapeWEL products are very large and somewhat heavy, they must be shipped via common carrier (truck).  Each time they are shipped there is a risk of damage to the products and their appearance.  To avoid the risk of receiving back into stock items whose appearance is less than perfect, Summit will not accept returns of unwanted product.  We would never want to sell the next customer a product that has previously been delivered to a prior customer's construction jobsite, and then returned.
If returns on ScapeWEL were possible (and they're not), the customer would have to arrange the return freight with a truck line of their choosing.  The return freight charges would be quite  expensive (much greater than our $8 delivery charge).  Plus, if a standard restocking charge would be added, the total return expense would be a large percentage of your original purchase price.  Returns of ScapeWEL products would be very expensive, risky, and laborious, and it is for these reasons that we do not accept returns of any ScapeWEL products.  We respectfully advise customers to measure and order carefully to avoid the chance of receiving unwanted ScapeWEL product(s).  
"Will I (or someone else) need to be present when my order arrives?"
Yes!  The truck company will not leave the shipment unless they have a delivery signature.  This protects them and you.  The truck company does not want to risk that an item will be stolen after delivery, and someone must sign to state that the item arrived in good condition. 
"What happens if the egress window wells get damaged in shipping?"
If you should experience delivery damage to your new ScapeWEL basement egress window wells we advise you to do the following:
1) Carefully inspect your shipment before signing the delivery ticket!
2) If any damage is visible, make a detailed note of the damage directly on the delivery ticket before signing.
3) Contact Summit at (800) 349-5808 and notify us of the damage before the driver leaves.
We will determine, based on the information that you provide to us on the phone, if replacement parts can be shipped out, or if the delivery should be refused.  We use the utmost care in packaging and shipping so, luckily, the chances of our customers receiving damaged goods is rare.  If it were to occur, please contact us at the time of delivery, as instructed above.  Our egress window wells are insured against loss and damage during shipping, and we use a network of America's most reliable carriers.
"Are these window wells really as nice looking as the pictures?"
Absolutely!  We think that these ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells are among the best looking egress wells available!  We think you'll be thrilled with your choice of ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells!  If you spend the money to have a beautiful finished basement then you will, no doubt, want to be able to look out at a window well that doesn't cheapen the view.  ScapeWEL Egress Window Wells offer some advantages over competing egress window wells.  And, they look beautiful!  

Still have questions you'd like answered?  Please feel free to contact us any time!