“My basement windows are nasty!” Ellen said to me on a recent appointment. The reality is when people talk about their basement windows the adjectives they use are not flattering (they’re drafty, ugly, bug-infested, rotten and unsafe are just a few examples). Whether you’re in the middle of a basement remodeling project or just want to make your lower level space more secure, energy efficient or better looking – fixing old, deteriorating basement windows can be a good investment. The article below highlights practical tips I shared with Ellen to fix the biggest problems associated with basement windows.
• Problem #1 – Basement windows are easy to break into
– In most homes existing basement windows are the cheapest and flimsiest windows. Often they are single pane glass windows surrounded by a wood (which is deteriorating) or metal (which is rusting) frame. Breaking in through these windows for vandals is not a tough job. A secure solution to this problem is to install glass block basement windows. These units are mortared to the concrete block or poured foundation making them a high security alternative. For the highest level of protection the latest advancement is a product called a “Protect All glass block window.” This window uses vinyl spacers to join the blocks together making a structure which is much harder to separate than even a mortar joint.
• Problem #2 – You lose A LOT of energy through basement windows
The energy efficiency rating of existing single pane glass blocks windows is a microscopic R value of .1. With this being said the biggest energy efficiency problem with metal or wood framed basement windows is often not the thin glass – but is rotten or rusted frames surrounding the pane. A strong product choice to eliminate this problem are vinyl hopper windows or a sliding glass window. The hopper style window works well if you have a small opening and still want to maximize air flow. The sliding window tends to be preferred if you want the opening to be smaller for security purposes.
• Problem #3 – Existing wood windows in your basement are painted shut or inoperable
If you want your basement to be safe for your family to enjoy and kids to play in limiting the problems associated with hazards like carbon monoxide is essential. To lessen the risk of carbon monoxide created from hot water heaters or furnaces maximizing fresh air in the lower level is important. The challenge is many existing wood framed windows have been painted shut and some metal frame windows have hinges which are so rusted the concern is if you open them you won’t be able to shut them again. Two popular solutions to this challenge are to use vinyl replacement windows or a glass block window with an air vent. The vinyl windows operate by either folding down for air (a hopper window) or having a sash which moves side to side (a sliding window). The glass block window with an air vent has a smaller opening than the vinyl window – making it a good solution to allow air flow and to also prevent against break ins.
• Problem #4 – Escaping through a small basement window in the case of a fire is something you’re not going to do!
– Most basement windows are too small for an adult to get out during a fire (as a matter of fact when I was younger my Dad used to hoist me through the basement windows when we got locked out because he would have gotten stuck in the opening!). The best way (although it’s not an inexpensive proposition) to create a large enough opening to escape during a fire is to install an egress window. This type of window is required by code if you have a bedroom in the basement. Egress windows themselves are not that expensive – the large cost of this project comes in cutting the foundation and installing a window well on the outside to accommodate the larger egress window. Options in egress (or fire escape windows as some call them) windows can include obscure glass, clear glass or even designs which include a casement acrylic block windows.
• Problem #5 – Nasty bugs and creepy creatures just love your basement windows (touch them if you dare!)
If you have members of your household who are afraid of spiders and just can’t stand bugs you’re not alone. Spiders, pillbugs and snowbugs are common creates you’ll find lurking besides basement windows. Solving challenge involves improving air circulation on the inside and reducing moisture on the outside. Strategies to improve inside air flow include having a vinyl windows, glass block windows with an air vents or the larger sized egress windows. In addition to these three options a glass block window can be equipped with a “power vent.” This power vent has two exhaust fans which can dramatically increase circulation. To reduce moisture on the outside clean up aging vegetation, grass clippings and planting beds which have been over mulched. In addition consider adding a basement window well with gravel and a drain to move water away from the window.
Which of these 5 basement window problems is the worst one for you? Comment or call us on the numbers below to find products to solve these basement window problems and leave them in your rear-view mirror.
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Call Innovate Building Solutions on a nationwide basis (877-668-5888) or for a local project their divisions including Columbus Glass Block (614-252-5888), Cleveland Glass Block (216-531-6363), West Side Glass Block (216-398-1020) or Mid America Glass Block in Akron (330-633-2900). For complete basement remodeling in the Cleveland area call Cleveland Design and Remodeling (216-658-1270)
If you’re a remodeler or builder and want practical advice on remodeling products, industry trends, marketing and sales tips to grow your business (and cut day to day hassles), start reading my newest blog – Innovate Builders Blog. It’s packed with ideas you can use now. Click here to Sign Up for the Innovate Builders Blog.
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
Yes Krystyna – there have been people who have incorporated exhaust fans inside glass block windows in a basement. There is one source our team could get you a vinyl framed window with a small exhaust fan in it – Mike
Krystyna Cieslak
Can the small insert with fans be used as exhaust fans in a bathroom window? Or as parent of a new window installation?
Richard in most poured and concrete block foundations we mortar the glass block windows directly to the sides so you don’t need to ‘box them in.’ That is the preferred approach. Sometimes the inside conditions will require some interior trim work – depends on the case. Let us know if you need additional help. Feel free to call 877-668-5888. Mike
Richard Peterson
Hi, My 1960’s house has basement windows where the poured foundation opening for the window is first Box framed with wood and then the window is pushed into this box frame until it hits a stop. Can your replacement vinyl basement windows be installed right to the poured foundation open for the original window. I really don’t want to have to but a framed box in that I have to paint on the outside. It would be great if they just fit in the opening and then I attached them with some Tapcon screws or the like.
Patty – most basement windows cost from $150 to $290 per window depending on the market area you’re in (more crowded cities the windows tend to cost more due to labor and logistics costs), the frame type which is being removed (note there is more ‘finishing’ work after you remove an old wood framed window than a metal window – generally) and what options you add to the glass blocks (air vents, dryer vents etc.). Feel free to call us at 877-668-5888 if you need more help. Mike
Patty
My basement windows look exactly like those
How much would one cost? 32×13 3/4
Joanne – a man cave sounds like a good project. The fan – while its’ a nice feature – I don’t think would be powerful enough to get rid of the smoke. Probably the best way to do that would be to ask your guest to smoke outside. Sorry about that – Mike
Joanne Borgesi
Doing a man cave in a basement. We need to remove cigar smoke from room. Can we utilize the window/fan that you show above? Or would this not be powerful enough to filter smoke out? Thank you
Tamika – the most cost effective and secure ways to brighten up the basements are with glass block windows. You can also use vinyl replacement windows there. If you’re willing to invest more digging out for an egress window can add significantly more light (although egress window installation can cost between $4,000 to $6,000) – so they are not a ‘cheap date!” I hope this helps. MIke
tamika white
me and my wife just moving into are new house,this is are 1st house together.. Anyways i dont like the windows in are basement because are basement is to dark and there not to mcuh light down there, i want to bright up are basement with new windows.. What can i do?
Kathleen – thanks for your interest about the exhaust fans. I would recommend for you to call our office so we can explain the details of this product for you. You can reach us at 877-668-5888. Thanks – Mike
Kathleen
Please send more info about your window with the exhaust fan
Joann – sorry you’re still having a problem with water in your basement. I’m glad this article was helpful to you. If we can be of assistance feel free to call our office. Mike
Roy – our office could help you with this window (feel free to call at 877-668-5888). There is not a humidity control however with the vent fan. They can however be incorporated into the glass block windows. Our office is located in Columbus Ohio.
Roy Snyder
I like the idea of your basement window with the vent fans. Does it come with a humidity control? I live in Canada, Is there a Vanadian supplier? I will be travelling through Ohio later this month, is there a retailer close to I-75 that I could get one from?
Jessie – feel free to give us a call to talk further about your project. If you got glass block basement windows we can add air vents to the windows to get you more air flow.
we had new door and Windows in basement to in 2000 and now we need again. shows wrotting. I think we have no circulation or not enough venting. What to do?
Mike Foti
Yes Krystyna – there have been people who have incorporated exhaust fans inside glass block windows in a basement. There is one source our team could get you a vinyl framed window with a small exhaust fan in it – Mike
Krystyna Cieslak
Can the small insert with fans be used as exhaust fans in a bathroom window? Or as parent of a new window installation?
Mike Foti
Richard in most poured and concrete block foundations we mortar the glass block windows directly to the sides so you don’t need to ‘box them in.’ That is the preferred approach. Sometimes the inside conditions will require some interior trim work – depends on the case. Let us know if you need additional help. Feel free to call 877-668-5888. Mike
Richard Peterson
Hi, My 1960’s house has basement windows where the poured foundation opening for the window is first Box framed with wood and then the window is pushed into this box frame until it hits a stop. Can your replacement vinyl basement windows be installed right to the poured foundation open for the original window. I really don’t want to have to but a framed box in that I have to paint on the outside. It would be great if they just fit in the opening and then I attached them with some Tapcon screws or the like.
Mike Foti
Patty – most basement windows cost from $150 to $290 per window depending on the market area you’re in (more crowded cities the windows tend to cost more due to labor and logistics costs), the frame type which is being removed (note there is more ‘finishing’ work after you remove an old wood framed window than a metal window – generally) and what options you add to the glass blocks (air vents, dryer vents etc.). Feel free to call us at 877-668-5888 if you need more help. Mike
Patty
My basement windows look exactly like those
How much would one cost? 32×13 3/4
Mike Foti
Joanne – a man cave sounds like a good project. The fan – while its’ a nice feature – I don’t think would be powerful enough to get rid of the smoke. Probably the best way to do that would be to ask your guest to smoke outside. Sorry about that – Mike
Joanne Borgesi
Doing a man cave in a basement. We need to remove cigar smoke from room. Can we utilize the window/fan that you show above? Or would this not be powerful enough to filter smoke out? Thank you
Mike Foti
Tamika – the most cost effective and secure ways to brighten up the basements are with glass block windows. You can also use vinyl replacement windows there. If you’re willing to invest more digging out for an egress window can add significantly more light (although egress window installation can cost between $4,000 to $6,000) – so they are not a ‘cheap date!” I hope this helps. MIke
tamika white
me and my wife just moving into are new house,this is are 1st house together.. Anyways i dont like the windows in are basement because are basement is to dark and there not to mcuh light down there, i want to bright up are basement with new windows.. What can i do?
Mike Foti
Kathleen – thanks for your interest about the exhaust fans. I would recommend for you to call our office so we can explain the details of this product for you. You can reach us at 877-668-5888. Thanks – Mike
Kathleen
Please send more info about your window with the exhaust fan
Mike Foti
Joann – sorry you’re still having a problem with water in your basement. I’m glad this article was helpful to you. If we can be of assistance feel free to call our office. Mike
Joann Howard
I need this had ever dry,still having problems.
Mike Foti
Mohamad – we can ship directly to you in Detroit. Let us know how we can help further.
Mohamad
Is there any supplier here in the Detroit metro area , please advise thank you
Mike Foti
Roy – our office could help you with this window (feel free to call at 877-668-5888). There is not a humidity control however with the vent fan. They can however be incorporated into the glass block windows. Our office is located in Columbus Ohio.
Roy Snyder
I like the idea of your basement window with the vent fans. Does it come with a humidity control? I live in Canada, Is there a Vanadian supplier? I will be travelling through Ohio later this month, is there a retailer close to I-75 that I could get one from?
Mike Foti
Jessie – feel free to give us a call to talk further about your project. If you got glass block basement windows we can add air vents to the windows to get you more air flow.
Jessie
we had new door and Windows in basement to in 2000 and now we need again. shows wrotting. I think we have no circulation or not enough venting. What to do?