Basement Windows
Many people use their basement as a family room, computer room, playroom, or a den. The proper basement windows can make your basement look warm and inviting by letting in as much air and light as possible. They should also be useful by keeping out would-be robbers, and keeping drafts and water from coming in. The proper basement window can make a huge difference, even in basement décor.
There are many steps to removing basement windows easily and effectively. The first step is to take out the sash from around the existing window. Use a reciprocating saw to cut through the window frame carefully. From the wall opening, pull out the old window frame. Set it aside, so it is not in the way. If there is mortar left around the openings, you will need to get rid of it. Using a hammer and a cold chisel, carefully chip away at the mortar that is left until you get it all out. It is wise to wear protective eye wear to prevent flying chips.
Next, to replace basement windows, you will want to use shims to help you get your new window into the opening. After it’s in, secure it by screwing it up through the frame right into the mudsill. Go around to the outside of the house and apply caulk around the sides of the window frame, and then around the top. To seal the bottom of the window, you will need urethane foam. Spray this under the sill. You are ready, after everything dries, to paint your windows. You can apply one coat of exterior-grade primer to any wood parts of the window that are bare, and then give it two more topcoats. Use a drop cloth to avoid spills.
Basement windows are made for not only design, but for functuality, too. One of the most important functions of a basement window is to keep the water out in the event of heavy rains or flooding. Since basement windows are below ground, it can be very easy to flood a basement, even in lighter rains. If you have a window that is leaking, you can also have some degree of flooding, no matter how soft or hard it rains. For these reasons, it is imperative that basement windows remain in the best possible shape. They should also seal very tightly when they are closed to prevent water from coming in at all. A waterproof basement window is the best bet when installing new windows, or performing any type of basement window repair. Another factor to remember is that the ground that is right alongside the basement windows should be altered, so water funnels away and drains properly, not into the window itself. You can also look into buying external attachments that can be installed on the outside of a window, which helps keep the water out.
Basement windows should also be sealed properly to prevent cold air from leaking through them into the house in colder weather. This can be accomplished by using window seals to form extra insulation, keeping the house warmer and your heating bills down.
Basement windows must be strong and safe enough because the basement can be a prime target for burglars. A ground window is a very inviting target for burglars, so safety is a number one concern when you decide to replace basement window sills and windows. Remember, a glass window can be easily broken by a burglar’s foot, fist, or object. Being in the basement, it can be hard to hear. The solution is to reinforce the basement windows, so they are safe, or by using glass bricks to build them. There are other solutions, as well, such as the use of window coverings, or the use of a cross brace. Basement windows should always be locked from the inside, with strong locks, as well, so burglars do not have a chance to enter a residence through the basement.
There are requirements that must be adhered to when installing basement windows. The International Residential Code says that any windows installed in the basement must be at a width of 24 inches and a height of 20 inches. This is to allow a viable escape exit in the case of a fire, or a way for firefighters to enter a residence if need be. It is different for each municipality, but at least one window in a basement is generally required. If a basement is used as a living space, then it would be wise to have as many as possible.
When you are installing basement windows or working on basement window repair, you will want to choose the windows that are right for you. A basement window does not only have to follow building codes and provide an escape route, it may also need to be aesthetically appealing. If the house you are in or moving to is old, then the basement windows will probably be small and need to be dug out deeper and wider, and then replaced with a whole new frame and window. A hole for the window is also called the well, or a window well.
Windows need a well, because the window well provides a way for more light and ventilation to come through into a basement, a very important factor when you are in an underground room. Extra lighting is an important step, especially when a basement is set out to be a family area, or a place where a lot of time will be spent. A basement well also needs to be secure to prevent drafts and leaks from forming.
It’s important to make sure your basement windows are secure against burglars and break-ins. There are many ways that you can ensure that your windows stay tightly closed. Before you decide on the type of security you need, remember that the different types of windows will need a different type of lock. There are double hung windows, awning windows, hopper windows, and more that may take different locks. Many of these windows have cheap locks that can be easily broken or picked. You will probably have to replace many manufacturers’ locks with stronger ones. There are many ways to do this.
If your type of windows slides horizontally, then you may consider using a Charley bar to look your windows. A Charley Bar is a device that is spring loaded and metal in a bar shape that can latch to the side of a window frame and then fold down in the front of the glass. This braces against the opposite side of the frame, keeping the window from being able to be opened all the way. The easy part of using a Charley bar is that when you want to fully open the window, you can do so effortlessly.
If you are very serious about the security of your basement windows, you may want to consider the installation of more heavy-duty locks, such as in steel or iron security bars, or even grates that go across the outside of your basement windows. These types of locks may be expensive, but they will be a lot better in security than any other lock alone will be. However, it is important that any kind of lock you install comes with a quick-release latch, so in the event of an emergency, a window can be opened quickly. Many experts recommend that at least one window in the basement should be able to be fully opened if need be.
It is a common misconception that for the best security in locks you would have to choose ugly “prison bar” looking bars across their windows. This isn’t true; there are many available options for window locks. A practical, effective, and better-looking way to install security locks on your basement windows is to use roll-a-way electrical security shutters. The best types are ones that can run on a track and be easily pushed up by hand if an emergency arises. Always look for window locks that won’t create a fire hazard later on.
There are some basic guidelines to replacing your basement windows, although generally it is easier to do so before you finish your basement. Having new windows in your basement can really make a difference in many ways, such as better energy efficiency and décor appeal. First, measure your old windows if you are replacing them, but do not take them out yet. Measure both the top and the bottom (width and height), but leave them in. You do not want to take them out until you have your new windows already in your home.
Shopping for your new basement windows is the next step. A window should come with three key things: a sash, a windowsill, and a frame. You may not need a new frame, as it is possible your old one will still work well. Shop at a variety of different stores to see all the different kinds of windows available. You may also find that browsing windows on the Internet can help you in your search, and it is much easier in the comfort of your own home. Once you have the basic idea of the type of basement window you wish to remodel with, then you can start actively searching for one to buy.
You may notice at some point that your home has gotten harder to keep a normal temperature, whether it is warmth or cold. This may be because your basement windows have become leaky. If they have, then you will want to caulk them. By doing so, you can save energy, which in the long run, saves you money. Winter and summer months can bring on the highest energy costs and a leaky basement window can really cause you higher bills. It is also important more in the winter because of the higher heating costs. It is quite simple to caulk your own windows.
You will need to buy a caulking gun and window caulk. It may be best to talk to someone at your local hardware store about the proper kind of caulk to use. There are different kinds, and you will want to choose the correct one. It is easy to apply the caulk around the windows; just be sure not to get any onto the window glass itself. It may not come off if you do so. You need to make sure that your windows are caulked correctly. To do so, fill the outside edge of the window casement to ensure it is filled. While it is a relatively simple do-it-yourself job, you may feel better hiring someone to do it for you. Let the caulk dry completely, and you are done!
The first thing to do when you decide to replace your basement windows is to gather up the tools you will need. This will vary depending on how big a job it is, the size of your windows, and the type of window you get. It is important, though, to have the tools that you may need available, so you can get the project done without having to stop because you need a tool you didn’t think of. Following is a list of tools needed to both take out old windows and install windows:
Large and small pry bars, a screwdriver, saws - a reciprocating saw works best but a handsaw can also get the job done, a ruler, a ladder if the windows are higher, a hammer, a carpenter’s square and level, a pencil and paper for measurements, gloves, dust masks, screws, a power drill, a caulking gun with caulk, a utility knife, insulation, and a window. This list may not include everything you need, so check with your hardware store or on the instructions before you begin installing your basement window.