RockWell Egress Window Installation, Nashua, NH

Friday, September 16th, 2022 by Travis Kellogg

Challenge

A homeowner in Nashua, New Hampshire, had planned on finishing the basement of their 1950s home. The homeowners had already installed a bathroom in the basement and planned to add a room/bedroom. To be code compliant with the town the homeowner had to install a window or bulkhead so anyone staying in the basement would have an exit in case of a fire or emergency. They also wished to add more light to the space. The homeowner called EFS to see if someone could explain the difference between a bulkhead door and a RockWell.

Our design specialist, Chris Greenwood, inspected the home and explained the key differences between a bulkhead and an egress window. After listening to Chris's detailed presentation, the homeowner decided they wanted to have the RockWell installed with a full-sized window. The basement had an existing 36" egress window that would likely be the location of the new window. On the wall where the new window would be installed, there was a chimney with a wood stove in the basement. Chris and our Project Manager Nate Erickson designed a plan using precise measurements for our production team to follow when they installed the new egress window.

The homeowner ultimately decided to have the Egress window installed over the bulkhead because of the added benefit of light

The egress window will add light to the basement and be code compliant so the homeowners can add the extra bedroom to the basement.

Solution

Foundation Wall Removal

Our production team started the process of installing the window and RockWell by first exposing the foundation wall. The team used an excavator to dig 7' down and make the hole 6' wide so they could work in the hole. After the excavation met the desired dimensions, the team began following the precise measurements that Chris and Nate had provided. The team had to carefully measure the foundation wall to ensure that the new window and the framing would fit correctly. The team used drills and chipping bits to remove the section of the concrete wall. Once the team had loosened the wall enough, the team successfully removed the section of the wall.

RockWell Installation

Once the concrete was removed, the team then started to install the RockWell against the foundation. They used levels to make sure it was installed on a flat level surface. To hold the RockWell in place the team used the dirt from when they exposed the foundation wall. As the excavator operator backfilled the hole the team made sure the RockWell stayed level and flush against the foundation wall.

Window and Window Well Installation

After the team completed backfilling the dirt behind the RockWell, they began framing the window. The team used pressure-treated wood to frame the window. After the team had completed framing for the window they began to install the window. The team used ziptape and PVC trim around the window to lock it in. Once the team finished with the window they poured crushed stone into the bottom of the RockWell to give it a clean look. The final step of the project was to install the Window Well Cover. The team carefully measured out where each bracket for the Window Well Cover would be installed. The team then installed the brackets and placed the cover over the RockWell.

With everything installed the homeowner was very happy that they can take the next step in updating their home. This RockWell and Window will allow them to make a bedroom in their basement with the added benefit of light. The homeowners were happy they selected to install the RockWell instead of a traditional bulkhead door.