Installing basement replacement windows

Do the windows in your basement let in a chilly draft in winter? Or humid heat in the summer? Are they leaking air or can you see the world outside through cracks in the cement? Are your windows outdated and just not cutting it anymore? Basement window replacement is an easier, cheaper replacement than most other windows in the house, and taking the time to replace old, leaking basement windows can cut down on your heating and cooling costs.

There are two main types of basement windows, those with window frames secured in concrete and those with steel bucks instead of window frames; bucks are deeply embedded steel boxes, which house window inserts--or window sashes that fit directly in the box. Both basement window replacement processes are easy, but this page deals with how to replace a basement window in concrete and should work on most aluminum or steel windows which have frames directly embedded in the concrete.

For help replacing basement inserts, see our video here. Javascript is disabled on your browser. To view this site, you must enable JavaScript or upgrade to a JavaScript-capable browser.

In this specific basement window replacement case, we needed to remove the louvers, or glass slats, in this jalousie window. It could be a hopper or awning sash, however. Once you've removed the innards of the window, it's time to attack the frame. Where there are hot summers and brutally cold winters, it would be necessary to have what is called double glazed. They keep heat inside in winter and during the summer keep the heat outside.

These are particularly important features when installing basement structures because whatever happens in the basement radiates into the rest of your house. Considerations for installing, such as installers, dealers and product features are important.

But, so too are the quality of the materials used to make the products work optimally. A high quality double glazed variety can last decades, versus a lower quality manufacturing job. Using online quotes makes finding the best certified professionals much easier and quicker.

In addition, feel free to ask for references, when you find a few installers and dealers who seem to meet your budget criteria. Satisfied customers will be more than happy to share the value of the services their installers and dealers offered.

A good working relationship with a knowledgeable, trustworthy installer and dealer can help save time and money. In case their are any issues that need to be ironed out down the road, it is great to have a reliable service person. Installing basement window can save you much money in terms of helping seal up a drafty basement. It can bring years of light shining into your once dark downstairs. Installing can save you much time that was once spent on maintaining materials exposed to probably the harshest elements your house faces.

It is important to be sure that the materials and installation are of the highest quality you can afford. This will help ensure a long-lasting, care-free existence with your new product. The hardest decisions when considering installing basement windows will be what fashion you care to see for decades: double sliding, hopper, or glass block, even.

There now exist features that were just a pipe dream when they were creating or originally installing basement windows in your home.

Some of these fantastic features are aimed at hampering age old problems for the basement and for windows in the basement. They include rot and mold resistant varieties, in addition to vinyl, which will automatically save you time on painting and repainting or double pane window repair , and even on cleaning making sure they continue to function properly despite the climate down in the basement. An added bonus is the energy savings you can realize when installing basement windows.

Installing the ubiquitously seen Energy Star variety is another way to beat the heat, wind, water and cold.

The U. Department of Energy created these ratings to help you find the most energy and financially efficient products. U-factor is the ability of a window to insulate, or how well it allows heat and cold to pass through the panes. A lower number indicates a better ability to withstand heat or cold transfer, or better ability to insulate.

SHGC basically indicates how well a window blocks the sun's heat from entering your home or office. Again, the lower the number, the better a window blocks the heat from the sun. Inherent to a window is light entering the panes.

Well, there is a measurement for that too. It is VT, and the higher the value, the more light is allowed inside your home or office. And, probably the easiest to understand is AL, which just tells you how much and how quickly air will seep through the joints and seams of your windows. The lower the AL value, the less air leakage. Finally, condensation resistance measures how well the window resists dreaded water buildup, or condensation. The higher the value, the better a window protects against water showing up in your windows, where it is most dreaded and unwanted.

The better the quality of construction and installation of a window, the better it meets strict rating criteria and the lower maintenance of the materials create the optimal ownership experience.

These days a window can last comfortably for decades. The lower the maintenance, the greater the ability for it to do its job, the warmer, dryer, and happier your family can live. Do not delay in finding out who can handle installing your basement windows. Installing basement windows can brighten your day by allowing in more light and by releasing the pain of your old panes. And, if you do not yet have a window to the world in your cellar, then consider finding an ample professional to break through the masonry so that you may start to enjoy some light in your otherwise darkened downstairs area.

Installing a window lessens that dank, damp, cellar smell, feel, and makes the downstairs more inviting, livable and healthier, as it helps to increase light, air and other positive aspects of the outside world inside your cellar.

When making home improvements, there is almost always the question of price versus return on investment. Well, installing basement windows results in a good return on investment. It is because this actually adds to the value of your home. An added bonus is that it decreases your maintenance on the home somewhat, while increasing your standard of living within the confines of the often forgotten cellar or downstairs area.

Installing basement windows can increase the value of your home, especially when there were none beforehand. In addition, there are so many economical factors to a window now, that decrease their maintenance and increase your quality of life within your home. See what a new window can do for you. When replacing your windows, you may also want to consider replacing or adding screens to them, as well.

It is great in those cooler fall and spring months to be able to open a window or two up and enjoy the weather. This can also keep your home from becoming to stagnant or damp; this is especially true in basement rooms.

Replacement screens are a. Have you noticed how annoying is can be when a fly or mosquito sneaks into your home. They can be quite annoying and if you have pets, they can be driven absolutely crazy trying to catch them. New replacement screens in your basement as well as other rooms in your house can prevent that. Over time, old screens can develop small whole. They may not be noticeable to you, but bugs can sneak in through these spaces and make your home their own for a while. Replacement screens for basement replacement windows are also very affordable and an easy project to take on by yourself.

Additionally, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit any window in your home. If you cannot find one to fit a particularly odd-shaped window, there are even kits that help you create a replacement screen for any window with a few measurements and a little handy work. A basement window replacement will keep your basement warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Shop online and compare replacement prices from a wide range of basement window replacement providers.

You can save hundreds of dollars when you shop online. If you need windows in your basement, now is a great time to buy. You can even qualify for tax credits if you purchase energy efficient material to do the replacement with. Pre-Screened Local Installers. Compare prices on brands including.

Replacing Basement Windows Before you purchase your new basement window replacement, you will first need to measure the old one to order the proper size. Energy Efficient Windows Before you purchase a basement window replacement, be sure to shop for Energy Star approved products. Vinyl Basement Replacement Windows Most replacement products that you buy today have excellent energy efficiency. Locating Replacement Basement Windows Online Replacement basement windows are easy to locate online, and you can choose from lots of different affordable options.

They are made of glass-encased by a solid frame. They open as a whole unit just as the casement ones and tilt outward or inward. Their width exceeds the height, so choose this design if your measurement allows more width.

Such windows have two sliding parts, also known as sashes. They slide one over another and are less energy efficient. They are a perfect choice for daylight basements. You have direct access to your backyard if you have them. Strength is crucial for such windows because such frames have fewer chances to stick if your home settles.

If your basement windows face the street, a small slider might be the best option for you. This window provides an emergency escape from a home. They can be in each bedroom or basement. It is usually large enough to fit a body through it. If you replace egress windows in the basement, you need to dig out space around the window to make the escape easier. Also, safety professionals should be able to enter through it.

If the window is surrounded by pieces of furniture, a carpet, or any other surfaces, clear up space around the window and cover all surrounding belongings with a tarp. Removing and installing a window will create lots of dust and debris. If you have a wooden frame, first pry off the sash with a pry bar.

If there are any louvers, remove them, too, so that there is only a basic frame left. It is usually from steel and aluminum. If you want to remove it and install a brand new one, follow this step.

Take a reciprocating saw and make cuts between the frame and the wall studs. If you have a rusted metal window, see if it was riveted or screwed in place. If so, unscrew it or use a drill to remove the rivets. After this, remove the metal frame from the concrete. First, get down to the rough opening in the concrete. It might not be easy because the frame is in the concrete, but it might be easier than you imagined. To do this, take a reciprocating saw that has a metal-cutting blade and cut the frame in the middle of the bottom.

A frame will then become weaker, which will let you wedge a pry bar between the concrete and the frame. Work on one side at a time using the pry bar to make a rough opening. Chisel away the remaining concrete. Use a pneumatic chisel or a hammer and masonry chisel to do this.

Then wipe up the excess and dry out the surface. If you want to install the sill, this is the best time to do it. Secure the seal in the opening with a combination of adhesive sealant and masonry screws. First, make pilot holes through the wood and make holes in the concrete. After this, remove the seal, apply sealant at the bottom of the opening, and fasten the sill in place. If you already purchased the window, you might need to fit it in, for example, knock out some of the concrete to install the new window successfully.

To take measurements, you will need the width, height, and depth of your windows.