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How to replace basement windows

Redwoodie | Posted in Construction Techniques on November 9, 2008 09:11am

Background:

I have a basement that has cheap plexiglass windows.  I assume these were installed when the house was originally built, 20-25 years ago.  None of the basement finishing books available at the library offered any details on this task.

The current windows are very drafty.  I am hoping some of the $100 replacements offered at the big box home centers will be better.  Sadly, even though one of the stores has a motto of “you can do it, we can help”, the employees don’t seem to talk to the advertising department.  At one of the stores, I was even told that my opening for the egress window was too small to meet code if I put in one of the vinyl frame windows, and refused to answer any questions and walked away.  Funny, I spoke with our city’s inspector, and the opening we have is at least 8″ larger on any side.  So I am absolutely confident that with a new wood frame in the opening, and a vinyl frame on the new window, I will still meet the city’s code on minimum height, minimum width, maximum height from floor and minimum square footage of the opening.

Help needed:

I do not know the best way to build the frame.  The foundation is 8″ concrete.  For all the window openings, there is some type of metal that covers the opening, and overlaps about 1″ on both the inside and outside walls.  This metal is ridged, so as to provide support for the plexiglass windows.  Thus, the width of the window opening measured on the inside of the wall is about 1/2″ greater than the width measured on the outside of the foundation.

1)  If I build a wood frame to hold vinyl windows, do I need to remove the current metal ‘frame’?  If so, how.

2)  If I leave the metal in place, do I build the frame as far to the outside of the foundation, or flush with the inside?  Due to the uneven nature of the metal, I presume I need to use 1×4 or 2×4 to make the frame.

3)  If I remove the metal, should I use 2×6 or even larger to make the frame?

Any insight into the proper way to tackle this task would be greatly appreciated.  I’d like to get this done this month.  Perhaps in a year or two I might attempt to frame the walls and finish the basement.  Hopefully your guidance can keep me from having to redo this work to have a really nice look down there.

Thanks.

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Replies

  1. Piffin | Nov 09, 2008 09:32pm | #1

    What you describe as existing sounds like they used Andersen cellar window bucks when they poured the crete. These are standard and there are inswing awning or hamper style sashes that easily install to that. The lip you describe is the window stop. I don't know why they use plexiglas instead of the proper sashes, unless somebody wanted a wee bit more light coming through, or had a sheet of Plexiglas sitting around and wanted to save money.

    Not sure on the egress comments though. The windows I am thinking of would never do as egress windows. Are you sure the building inspector was on the same page as you? Exactly what size are you talking about?

    As far as taking out the steel frame - I wouldn't want to try, and you are unlikely to gain anything from it. These are a U shape suspended in place and filled with concrete so they are a part of the wall now.

    Can you post a digital photo of what you have - less than 200KB size - preferably jpg or gif file

     

     

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