A contractor installed an egress window in our basement and the opening they cut into the foundation was too big on the left & right sides. Instead of fastening the vertical framing boards against the foundation they toenailed into the top & bottom boards. This left a 1.5 to 2 inch gap on each side between the foundation and the window frame. They just filled that gap with expanding foam insulation and called it a day.
I’m worried about water and moisture getting into that large gap. Right now the spray foam insulation is the only thing between the exterior and the interior insulation and drywall. The contractor suggested covering the foam with some kind of rubber strip but that seems like a band-aid. My possible ideas are:
1) Redo the frame. Remove the window, side framing boards, and scrape out insulation. Then grind the foundation opening to even it out and fasten two treated 2-by’s on each side to build a correct frame. Seems like this is what they should have done in the first place.
2) Fill the gap with concrete. Hollow out the foam insulation in the gap to create a space to fill with concrete.
What’s the right fix here?
Replies
You should be worried, that's some sorry work these. I'd be leaving him a Yelp review that would leave marks! I'd pull the window and hire a mason to fill in the gap with 4" block or bricks then install the window correctly.
Or order a new window sized correctly for the opening!
Even better although down here in south Florida custom windows, any windows actually are 8 months or more out.
Thanks, the window is already drywalled and trimmed on the inside. So I'd like to stick with the existing window size (48") and keep it in the same position.
What is the plastic looking stuff on the left side?
Parge it. Use some seam tape meant for cement tile underlayment over the foam.
I would fabricate PVC trim boards for each side to cover the exposed insulation. On the flange side I'd secure with long trim screws, on the block side I'd use a thick bead of PL adhesive.
I think you should contact and discuss with the contractor for a piece of expert advice. When my father faced a similar problem with the roller shades when he moved to a new condo he contacted the contact them for advice, and they helped him to fix it correctly.