Bevel the ledge under the window with mortar so it will shed water. Use a straightedge as a guide because your saw cut won't be perfectly straight. Wet the ledge, add the mortar and shape the bevel with a small finishing trowel. Installing the basement window (Photos 15 –17) will go quickly compared with the prep work. Most manufacturers include complete installation instructions with every window. Read through them to check for variations from our procedure. The trim work will vary according to the style of your home.
Pack mortar into the gaps under and alongside the glass block window panel. Pack the bottom and smooth the curb first, staying away from the wedges.
A basement window can brighten up a basement space. Below is a simplified step-by-step guide for how to install basement windows in a concrete block wall for those DIYers out there or those interested in the process that their basement window contractor will be going through.
In fact, if your basement has finished, habitable rooms, building codes require it to have egress windows, or windows that are big enough to escape through in case of an emergency.
Custom windows tend to be roughly 30% more costly than standard windows, but the actual range can be much larger, depending on the window. Below is a cost comparison for both material costs of prefab and custom basement windows for small to medium-sized windows.
An egress window is intended to provide emergency escape from a home and they are specifically required in each room that serves as a bedroom. The window needs to be large enough to safely fit a body through it.
Cover the wet concrete with plastic to protect the wood window sill from warping and install the window sill
The appeal of glass block windows is that they let light in, but you cannot clearly see through them, which adds privacy. They are sealed into the wall and cannot be opened, making them another energy efficient option.
The right type of egress window well is used to meet code and height requirements. It will also include proper irrigation to allow the well to drain instead of fill with water during rainstorms or snowmelt.
Any time you install an egress window below ground, you have to ensure good drainage. If your basement has ever had moisture problems, take these steps:
Level from the pilot hole on the exterior in both directions from the center and measure and mark the corners of the cutout. The mortar lines usually serve as a level reference line too. Drill a level hole through the wall at each corner.
If you want ventilation or use the window for egress, yes, it should open. Otherwise, you can use glass block or other stationary windows for light only.
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This will not only make the space more comfortable, but it will also save you money on utility bills year-round.