I have an old, metal framed awning window in the basement that is weather-tight but really ugly. Since it is never opened, I’d like to replace it with glass block. The basement walls are getting insulated and drywalled, so I have the opportunity to put in a nice wood jamb at the same time.
My question is this. Can I avoid the hassle of hacking out the old window, which is set into the concrete foundation by simply leaving it in place and putting glass block in front of it? The window is down in a window well, so appearance from the outside isn’t an issue. My concern is that it would create a space between the new glass block and the old window that is completely inaccessible. If there are condensation problems this inter-window space would have no way to vent the moisture. (I live in a cold winter/humid summer climate and the existing single-pane window does get condensation on very cold/very hot days).
Is this workable, or does the old window simply have come out?
Replies
Replace the whole thing with block, with a vent in the middle if you need it. It'll let you sleep at night without worries of moisture and such.
Thanks. That's pretty much what I figured.
Do you need this window as an emergency exit?
Is there any way you could get out of your basement if you had to?
Normally, a basement window is kept available.
Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR Construction
Vancouver, Canada
The window is not needed for egress. It's a walk-out basement with a regular door to the back yard.