How To Change Basement Windows

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If you take a basement window that's in desperate demand of an update, remove the frame and supplant the window. Install a new window that fits the space and caulk effectually the frame to waterproof it. If you need to install a new window in a concrete wall, cut a hole that's large enough to hold your new window. Then make a custom frame and push button the window in place.

ane
Remove the wood frame and sash or metal buck frame. If you have a wooden-framed window, pry off the frame and sash using a pry bar. Then have a reciprocating saw and cut betwixt the wall studs and the frame. If you take a metal window frame that'southward rusted, determine if it was screwed or riveted in place. Unscrew it if y'all can or apply a drill to remove the rivets. Then pull abroad the metallic frame from the surrounding concrete.^[1]
- The wooden frame is as well called a jamb while a metal frame is also called a buck.
- If the metal frame isn't rusted, you can typically leave it in identify and replace just the window pieces.
ii
Mensurate the window frame and then you know what size replacement to get. For a wooden window frame, mensurate the width and height of the frame. Utilize the inside measurements instead of the outside measurements since some window sills are sloped. If you're measuring a metal window frame, measure the summit and width.^[2]
- If yous didn't have the frame out, y'all can but mensurate the size of the window. If you can't become an verbal size, order a slightly smaller window that you can fill in with mortar.
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iii
Make clean the window opening and remove any ridges of mortar. Use a bucket-type vacuum to suck up whatsoever dust or debris from the window opening. If you have a concrete or brick opening, check for ridges that volition make it hard to install the new window. To remove concrete ridges, apply a hammer and cold chisel to chip away the excess mortar.^[three]
- If you don't want to fleck away mortar ridges, consider ownership a window that's smaller and won't demand to be installed over the ridge.
iv
Identify the replacement window in the frame and drill information technology in identify. Have out the sash and screen from the new window to make information technology easier to go to the screw holes. Then advisedly push the window into the opening. Use galvanized or stainless steel screws to screw the window in place.^[4]
- If you lot're screwing the window into concrete, you lot'll have to screw double-threaded physical screws using a hammer drill.
- Cheque to come across if your replacement window came with spiral comprehend plugs and put them on if so.
5
Fill in the gaps between the window and foundation. Now that y'all've replaced the window, look to come across if the window is flush with the surrounding foundation. If there are whatever gaps, you lot'll need to use a filler to seal the gap. Consider using i or more of these:^[v]
- Mortar
- Mortar and brick or rock
- Caulk for the sides or top of the frame
- Urethane spray foam for under the volition
- Custom-cutting pipe insulation
half dozen
Put the window sash and screen back in and polish abroad any mortar. Put whatsoever of the window parts back in identify. In one case the mortar or caulk is completely dry, use a smooth trowel to smooth the mortar or caulk so it's flush with the foundation of the window.^[vi]
- Read the mortar or caulk bundle to determine how long information technology needs to dry out. Depending on the product, it may take a few hours to a few days to dry.
seven
Utilise primer to the bare parts of the wooden window. If y'all're replacing a wooden window, y'all'll need to protect information technology from rain and the elements. Spread 1 coat of exterior-grade primer to the bare wood and let information technology dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.^[7]
- Once the primer is dry, decide if you desire to paint the wooden frame to match your dwelling's trim.

1
Mensurate the size of your window and become a permit. If yous want a basement window that will satisfy egress codes, it needs to be at least five.7 foursquare ft (9.ix k) in size. Specifically, the window has to be at least 20 in (50 cm) broad and 24 in (61 cm) high. Once y'all know the size you want your window to be, take a sketch of it to your city's edifice inspector's part to become a building allow.^[8]
- The bottom of the window can't be more than 44 in (1.i grand) from the flooring. This ensures that the window is easy to use as an emergency archway or leave.
2
Cull a location for the window and mark the outline with record. Yous may desire to put the window on the wall that volition give the all-time light and look the best from the exterior. Pay attention to whatsoever obstacles you might face when installing the window. Once you're satisfied with where to place the window, outline the window measurements on the wall using masking tape.^[ix]
- Make the outline three one/two in (eight cm) wider and 1 3/4 in (4 cm) higher to account for the wooden frame.
- Obstacles for installation include buried utilities, plants growing on the exterior, wiring for the house, and ductwork. If you aren't certain if y'all take buried utilities or wiring, call your utility company earlier starting the project.
3
Build a temporary support wall for additional support. If the joists are perpendicular to the wall you're cutting into, build a 2 x 4 ft (sixty 10 120 cm) support wall. Make the wall iii ft (ninety cm) in front of the wall you're cut into. Screw the support wall firmly into place at the top and bottom where it meets the joists.^[10]
- If the joists aren't perpendicular to the window wall or the window volition be less than 48 in (1.2 m) wide, you can skip this step.
4
Staple plastic sheeting to the temporary wall to catch the grit. Earlier you begin cutting into the wall, hang vi-mil plastic sheeting from the temporary wall and staple it in identify. Cut slits in the plastic so you tin lift information technology up and staple the sheeting in betwixt the joists.^[xi]
- The plastic will contain the dust and droppings from cutting which will make make clean up easier.
5
Mark the cutting lines and drill through pilot holes on the corners. Measure and mark the dimensions of the window on the outside using masking tape. Employ a hammer drill and a long fleck to drill airplane pilot holes through the middle of the bottom cutting line. You lot'll also need to drill level holes at the corners of the window then they get through the wall.^[12]
- Utilize a level to ensure that you're marking the window accurately. Use the measuring lines as guides when you drill.
6
Use a physical saw to cut the interior and exterior outline of the window. Utilize a xiv inch (35 cm) concrete saw with a diamond bract to cut the outline of the window from the inside and exterior. Make the cut about ane/2 in (i.3 cm) deep. You'll need to go around the outline twice with the saw, making a 1/2 in (1.3 cm) deep cut the 2nd time equally well.^[13]
- If the saw is making too much dust as it cuts the concrete, moisture the bract.
7
Knock out the concrete and smooth the opening. Take a 4 lb (1.viii kg) sledgehammer and striking the physical near the top part of the window's center. Then hit around the center edges of the window. The concrete will begin to autumn out of the wall. In one case most of information technology is out, use a brick chisel to remove small bits of concrete that remain.^[fourteen]
- At this point you tin check to ensure that the rough frame and window will fit the opening you just made.
8
Fill up the exposed wall blocks with newspapers and physical. Have several newspapers and crumple them up. Stuff them into the exposed concrete blocks. Then use a cement trowel to fill the blocks with concrete and cover them with plastic sheeting.^[15]
- The newspapers will forbid the concrete from falling downwardly through the blocks.
- The plastic sheeting will prevent the h2o from the concrete from warping the window frame sill.
9
Install and spiral the sill and frame in place. To install the sill, screw three in (vii.5 cm) deck screws through the wood into the moisture concrete. Then push the header in place and screw it to the floor joists. Install the frame sides and so they fit tightly and bang them into identify. Drill screws at a an angle through the frame sides.^[16]
- The frame sides volition support the header.
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Anchor the frame and caulk around it. Use ii 3/16 x 3 1/iv in (.5 x 8.2 cm) concrete screws to secure the frame to the block wall. Then use a polyurethane or exterior caulk to fill up in gaps between the frame and concrete.^[17]
- If you want the screws to be flush to the frame, countersink them and then they don't extend past the frame.
- If the gaps are wider than i/4 in (6 mm), install a cream capitalist rod into the gap. And so seal with the caulking.
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Caulk effectually the within of the frame and install the window. Get help to hold up the new window and centre it in identify. Then remove the window and so yous can caulk effectually the forest frame. Put the window back in place and ensure it's level. Drill screws into the nailing fin so the window is secured.^[18]
- Check your specific nailing fin to see if it's supposed to be nailed in identify instead screwed in place.
12
Remove the temporary wall and permit the window dry for 2 to 3 days. Pull down the plastic sheeting y'all installed to contain grit and so take down the temporary support wall. Go out the new window to set and dry out before y'all paint or use the window.^[19]
- It may accept longer for your window to set up if your basement is very clammy or humid.

Add New Question

Question

How do I become more low-cal from those tiny basement windows?

Try using mirrors to reverberate light to different areas of the room. Even just painting the windowsill and any other surrounding shoulders bright white tin can dramatically increase the window light output.
Question

Can I use pressboard or interior window sill?

Pressboard (particle board) is an inexpensive option for a new windowsill frame.
Question

We are ready to install two basement windows. In that location is an R/O with wood trim. Exercise we take to remove the woods R/O before we install the windows or practise the windows sit in this opening?

No, not if the windows fit. As long equally they're in good shape, there's no law against re-using them nor keeping them undisturbed. Yet, if they're just blocking empty space or modest gaps, I'd remove them and insulate the new window to exist air, h2o and problems-tight.

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Once you've installed the window, bevel the ledge under it and so water drains abroad.

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Ever habiliment safety equipment such as a mask and safety goggles.
While you lot can cut through concrete block walls safely, you should hire a professional to cut the window if your basement walls are poured physical.^[twenty]

Things You lot'll Need

Common cold chisel
Reciprocating saw
Pry bar
Hammer
Replacement window
Galvanized or stainless steel screws
Power drill and spiral commuter
Double-threaded physical screws
Hammer drill
Saucepan-type vacuum
Filler for gaps
Smoothen trowel
Paint brush
Outside-grade primer
Safety glasses, grit mask, and hearing protection

Masking tape
Tape measure
6-mil plastic sheeting
2 x 4 ft (60 x 120 cm) lumber for temporary wall
iii in (7.5 cm) deck screws
Hammer drill with long chip
Concrete saw with a 12 or 14 in (30 or 35.five cm) blade
Safety glasses, dust mask, and hearing protection
Brick chisel
four pounds (i.8 kg) sledgehammer
Level
Caulk gun
Concrete
Concrete trowel
Newspapers
Shims, optional

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Article Summary X

To install a replacement basement window, remove the frame and sash, and so measure the window frame so you know what size to get. Clean the window opening to remove any debris before you place the replacement window in the frame. Afterward you screw the window into the frame, fill up in any gaps with mortar, caulk, or spray foam. Then, put the window sash and screen back in and smooth abroad any mortar or caulk. Read on to learn how to install an egress window in your basement!

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