Replacement basement windows need to be treated with maximum care, because they have to meet certain requirements of security, while securing a proper ventilation. Everybody who has a basement knows what an issue ventilation is and what happens in case the airflow doesn’t circulate properly all over the place.
The Replacement Decision
There’s nothing fancy about basements, so most probably there are still many of them who have those old style, single-glazed windows with metallic or wooden frames. Fact is the wood gets rotten in time and metal gets rusty, so in 50 years time everybody would probably come to the conclusion that replacement of basement windows is an absolute must. If so, there are a few factors to consider in choosing the best type of basement windows for your specific case:
Durability: basement windows are exposed to high levels of humidity, so they have to resist these harsh conditions. This is what makes vinyl a good option for the frames, definitely superior to wood or metal. However, you should be aware that modern windows with vinyl frames are very well insulated, therefore you have to make sure the basement is really dry when installing them. If that’s not possible, you have to keep them open for a few hours a day at least, in order to avoid mold and mildew formation. This is a very serious issue, as mold is very difficult to get rid of once you’ve got it and it’s a threat to your family’s health. If you’ve got an allergic person in the family, that’s another reason to be very careful to maintain the basement dry and clean.
Versatility: as basement windows are sometimes used instead of doors for passing long items that you want to store, they need to be able to open completely. You can go for tilt-turn windows, as they allow you to let them open even if you’re not around to watch them. This is possible because most of the times, such windows come with security features that would prevent thieves from sneaking into your basement. If you have more windows, you can use only one or two for handling household items and for the rest, replace them with glass block windows which are very elegant and which provide a good level or security and privacy. With those thick glass blocks surrounding a narrow window that opens for ventilation, you’ll minimize the danger of intrusion while still benefitting from enough light from the exterior. Glass blocks come in various patterns and shades, so you’ll have the chance to exercise your creativity as well.
Energy-saving: For better thermal insulation, go for the double-glazed ones, as they are not too expensive. Energy efficiency is important and basements are difficult to heat, so why not make sure you keep that heat inside instead of letting it go through the windows? Lower bills are always better than bigger ones.
Replacing windows of your basement doesn't mean you have to take care of all details, as you can hand it over to a professional who’d make all decisions for you and only present you the best solutions with pros and cons, so you can have the job done quickly.
If you’re undergoing major renovation and you wish to turn your basement into a living space, keep in mind that in this case you need to provide an escape route if it’s not already in there. The most appropriate solution is to install an egress window with detachable grills or bars, easy to remove in case of emergency. Actually you should have one such basement egress window for each room which is used for a purpose other than storage. For instance, the basement can be the perfect place for installing your hobby room with tools, machines and other stuff needed for your favorite crafts. If that’s your case, think very well when choosing your replacement basement windows, so you won’t be sorry later on.
