The importance of basement windows
There is no way to deny that windows are an essential part of a property, and even though basements are an underground space, whether using them either for entertainment or living spaces or a storage area, they also need a good basement window. That’s why some people search at internet for Basement window replacement inserts.
Basement windows bring many advantages to a residential and commercial building and for those who frequent the property, such as better insulation, a brand-new frame and additional window glazing.
So, paying attention to how your basement windows are extremely important, they might need to be replaced owing to broken parts, rot or a loss of insulation value.
Let’s understand more why basement window replacement is so important and which advantages it offers.
Better insulation
There is a coefficient here in the US called U-Factor which measures how well the window insulates. So, a window that has a U-Factor of 0.25, for example, is a good energy efficient window.
Otherwise, windows with the coefficient 0.32 or 0.35 delivers an intermediate energy saving. The lower the U-Factor, the better the window insulates, therefore in order to have a great energy efficiency, it must be below 0.30.
So, a new basement window prevents the heat that is inside the house from escaping during the winter and the cold air from outside enters; and during the summer it keeps the coolness indoors and the warmth outdoors, helping to keep the temperature of the house and consequently save energy and money on utility bills.
A brand-new frame
Looking for a renovation to your property? A new basement window is worth your investment!
If your current basement window is too old or damaged, consider replacing it for a vinyl window or wood frame, the two most popular options for most properties. Nonetheless they both require more maintenance in relation to metal.
Even though, metal frame is a good option for those who are looking for something stronger, with better resistance and low maintenance, its insulation does not beat vinyl and wood frame.
Additional window glazing
Most older properties which have not invested in a basement window replacement have installed in their residential or commercial building windows made out of a single pane of glass.
The window market has improved a lot through the years, and it provides double and even triple panes of glass, allowing properties to replace their old windows for new thermal performance and soundproofing.
How to choose a window for your basement?
Apparently, it seems an easy task to choose which window fits better for your basement, since this is mostly or partially an underground living space.
However, many factors should be considered before making our own choice, such as the purpose of the basement, sizes, energy efficiency, the light that penetrates, airflow, security and functionality.
Basement’s purpose
There are two types of basements around properties, those we spend little time in, used for storage, washer and dryer or just to keep the house mechanical units for cooling or heating systems; or those basements built to spend more of our time, using it as a common area.
For basements you are not going to stay in for a long time, it is not worth investing money in designed features windows, with an upgraded hardware or interior colors, or with windows that are extremely energy efficient.
Whereas, if you are planning to stay more time in your basement, choosing an energy efficient option is something important to consider since it helps to save money on heating or cooling costs.
As you will spend time in your underground living space more frequently, a designed basement window, like colors and grids, is worthy for this room, so you can decide for an option that matches with the rest of your windows.
Sizes
Many sizes options exist and although there are some standard sizes, this is not a rule that must be followed.
Here, the best thing to do is to choose one that fits perfectly with your window opening to ensure it has an airtight fit.
However, if you are looking for something easy to find, you can choose those stock sizes from a local lumberyard or big box, but there are some risks to rework the frame.
Energy efficient
Nobody wants to waste their money paying energy bills, especially when something can be done about it. Frequented basements mean that the temperature inside must be regulated and when it happens efficiently, it turns our property into an energy efficient one.
There are many basement windows that are energy efficient, and they are even certificated and rated to provide superior thermal protection, helping the coolness or heat from inside not escaping and does not require extra work for regulating the temperature, saving money consequently.
Light
As basements are mostly or partially underground, they are naturally dark places, consider installing windows that will allow brightness to come inside easily, to avoid as much as possible depending on lightning.
Of course, basement windows are not as high as the windows installed upstairs, but they are wider, offering light for an affordable price and no worries with maintenance.
Airflow
It is obvious that basements as being underground spaces are going to have a different smell from all the rest of the house as there are not many entrances to allow much fresh air to come inside.
So, it is crucial to have as a choice one window that allows ventilation, which will not let the air to become stale.
Security
If the purpose of your basement is as a storage, washer and dryer or just to keep the house mechanical units for cooling or heating systems, it is better to ensure protection and security by installing a window with a locking system.
Basement windows with an excellent locking system will turn your basement a difficult place to open or break in by intruders, keeping everyone from inside safe.
Functionality
It is always important to remember that basement windows need to open in case of emergencies like fire or anything like that. Not only for emergencies, having an open basement window allows us to move or pass things from inside to outside and vice-versa.
Are basement windows standard sizes?
Yes, basement windows have come in standard sizes since 1950 and remain in most houses these days.
As regards some requirements ask for minimum heights, widths and even distance from the ground, standard sizes for basement windows inserts were the solution, being available in 12-24 inches high and 30-36 wide.
Can you use any window in a basement?
The building code can vary from place to place, but a basement window must have an opening of at least 5.7 square feet.
There are many types of basement windows to consider when choosing one for yours, like hopper, casement, awning, sliding and single-hung or double-hung. Let’s take a brief look at them.
Types of basement windows
Hopper
They are the most popular type of windows considering their small size and as being energy efficient. They are hinged on the bottom and open outward.
Casement
There are not many differences between hopper and casement, except that they are hinged on the side instead. In addition, if you are looking for ventilation and light, this is the one.
Awning
Another similar option to the two others mentioned, this window is hinged at the bottom and opens. With the same advantages, awning windows are additionally great for rainy climates.
Sliding
Whether your basement has long or narrow wall spaces, this is a good choice if you desire light to come inside.
Single-hungordouble-hung
Even though they are popular options, installing these windows require more of your wall space to follow the sizes requirements for their opening.
Inserts are different from full-frame replacements
When our property needs window replacement, it is possible to choose not only size, shape and colors, but how the installation can be done. There are two types, full-frame replacement windows and insert, here we are going to explain the differences between them.
Full-frame replacement windows is when the current window installed is completely removed from the structure to the studs and the new window is placed in the existing opening, offering flexibility to replace for one option that has a different size or shape.
When this job is done, it helps the professional to have a good perspective over the property’s structure, being able to inspect if there are any damages caused by water or environment.
Whereas the drawback of this option is the higher cost due to its complexity, which consists in removing completely all interior and exterior trims and the siding, consequently.
But, to avoid the effort of doing a full-frame basement window replacement, insert replacement is a cheaper and simpler option, in which the existing frame remains and only the sash, hardware and covers are completely removed and replaced from the opening. If the structure is made of wood or aluminum frame, there is only one option of a window, and it may cause a reduction of light that penetrates into the basement.
How do you replace a broken basement window with an insert method?
Instead of searching for window replacement near me, here are some tips on how to do it!
Tools Required
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Cold chisel
- Caulk gun
- Whisk broom
- Drill/driver
- Reciprocating saw
- Pry bar
- Level
- Safety glass
Materials Required
- Window & Door spray foam insulation
- Caulking
- Exterior-grade primer
Step by step
- Complete removal from the current basement window sash.
- With the reciprocating saw help, cut the existing window frame to be able to pull it out from the wall opening.
- It might be necessary to chip away mortar from the side of the opening with a hammer and use a vacuum cleaner to suck all the dust and dirt out.
- After measuring exactly the size from the wall opening and the new basement window to be replaced with a level, slide it into the opening.
- It will probably be necessary to use shims to center the new window in the opening.
- When ensuring your window is placed correctly through the gap, secure it by screwing up its frame into the mudsill.
- After installing the new insert and ensuring it fits properly, use window & door spray foam insulation to seal any gaps, improving the energy efficiency of your property and weather resistance.
- To the outer part from the new basement window insert, apply caulk along the sides and top of the frame to seal any remaining gaps, also preventing air and water from entering.
- To finish the job, apply a coat of exterior-grade primer to the window parts, if made of wood, followed by two paint top coats to standardize everything.
Do you install basement windows from the inside or outside?
Before deciding if the installation from a basement window is going to be done from the inside or outside, weather, the type of window and the location must be taken into account first!
With lower temperatures basement windows can be efficiently installed and sealed against the cold air from the inside and the opposite can be done during warmer climates. When the installation is done from outside, it allows a better airflow and cooling.
In addition, the chosen type of window influences when deciding if the installation should be done from inside or outside. This happens because some windows are easier to install than others regarding their opening.
Lastly, where the basement window is going to be installed is also an important matter since if it is a difficult place to have access from the outside, the installation must occur from the inside.
Is replacing the basement window hard?
Replacing an old window for a new basement window insert is not a hard task, actually it will not take more than 1 hour to conclude the job. But it may take longer if the chosen window to be replaced is a special order.
It is possible to buy basement windows easily at those local stores, like Home Depot or Lowes, but if you are looking for specially manufactured options. After hiring a contractor, they will place the order with the manufacturer to make them or ship them. So, a job that would be concluded in 1 hour, it might take from 4 to 15 weeks.
Depending on where the replacement of your basement window insert is located, it can increase the installation time. Windows that are not easily accessible, blocked by any kinds of plants or even furniture, can also add more time to conclude the job.
And, we have to take into account that perhaps some pieces of the existing siding will have to be replaced as well, influencing your project’s timeline.
Hiring a professional into basement window replacement inserts
Installing a new basement window insert may seem an easy job to do, after all, there are many DIY videos teaching how to do this replacement. But whether the window is from a big size, the accessibility is difficult, and more windows have to be replaced, it is worth hiring a professional contractor to deal with the installation.
Sometimes it looks like an expensive investment hiring someone to do such an “easy” and “simple” job, but a contractor knows exactly how to do the project efficiently and with excellence.
Contractors have direct contact with manufactures, and they can offer basement windows inserts made specially for you and your tastes. Not to mention how easier and cheaper it is getting materials for them, since they purchase everything wholesale.
Professionals are here to make your life simpler, they will try to understand your wishes and find out the best method to conclude the job, whether the installation must be done from the inside or outside, and an insert or full-frame replacement.
Finally, you might need a permit or any other regulations to have your basement window replaced, and such things can be hard to get if you are not a professional contractor.
Our experienced and trained team can help you to have this job done easily and free from worries.
We will be pleased ensuring our customer’s happiness with our provided services, delivering only services of extreme quality, using the best materials that we get from our trustable suppliers. And their price is budget friendly, offering materials for any pocket, keeping their good quality.
Fill in the application and send us a message, let us help and assist you! We are prepared for any challenge or potential problems! Let Franca Services make a difference in your life!
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