Basement/Utility Windows

[D45]

Thinking about replacing the 4 windows in my basement, with something more energy efficient and SAFE

The current windows measure 14"x32"

The current installed windows look to be original, and the house the built in 1978......the windows sometimes have condensation and look to be single pane with wood frames

The half crawl/half poured basement is not finished and is used for the laundry room, beer fridge and storage freezer

I am really, really leaning towards the glass block with center hopper vent

Any ideas, input, or suggestions?

 

[The Cobbler]

this is a personal decision IMO.
I prefer an actual window

 

[kbs2244]

Typically, those windows are installed flush with the outside of the foundation.
That leaves a 6 to 8 inch "sill" to the inside.
I made some friction fit, Plexiglas, windows to seal off that 8 inches.

They were a simple table saw project.
1 x 2's, half lap corners, construction glue and brads to hold them together until the glue dries.

It wasn't meant to be a permanent fix, but they have been working well for over 15 years and other things have taken their place on the to do list.

 

[73fxe]

You can get glass block windows custom made. All You have to do is remove the old window and sash and mortar in the glass block.

 

[yeldogt]

I did some glass block -- back of the building in the city. No vent and I ordered the correct size block -- so they look correct and no cutting. The vented ones are ugly -- also .. it's a very small vent. The glass block is a good way to go if you never want to open and still want the light.

Andersen used to make a simple single pane basement window. Only came Wood- factory painted white. They stopped making. It had hardware on both top and bottom so it could open both ways. I used them in all my rentals -- they upgraded it a bit in the 80's or 90's but they never made one with double pane glass. Could never figure out why because it was actually rather nice window. Mine have held very well -- If you have the Andersen .... get an energy panel and screw it to the inside of the glass. No one really makes a nice basement widow -- I was looking last year for a rental --

 

[D45]

I am not looking for a "nice" window, just something more secure and efficient.......and I think glass block will be the cheapest route

I found these in my 32x14 size for $53 each:

https://www.menards.com/main/doors-...22134032567063799&ipos=13&bargainStoreId=3504

Seems like it comes in this one piece panel........just remove the old one and install the new one

 

[D45]

Home Depot also offers the vented and non-vented 32x14:

Vented for $74:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Clearly-...n-Vented-Glass-Block-Window-V3214DC/203608889

Non-Vented for $59:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Clearly-...n-Vented-Glass-Block-Window-S3214DC/203608893

 

[kbs2244]

At 32 x 14 I would upgrade my original idea to 2 x 2's as the frame.
Still a whole lot less than $53.00!

 

[yeldogt]

Make sure to check out the construction. I had real glass block installed ...block and mortar with a bar buried in the middle. I did mine for security along a city alley.

You can kick apart some of the cheap windows -- and the vent is a plastic flap.

 

[NUTTSGT]

While not a basement window, The west side of my garage had a similar single pan window much like a basement window. That wall of the garage was concrete block and basically the same set up as a basement.

The window was inefficient and I took it out and replaced it was glass block, motaring it in with the same brand "white" mortar. Shortly after I was done HD started carrying those pre-made window units. However, I think the single block with mortar looks better and hopefully will last longer.

I could notice a difference between the block and single pane window. It was still not real efficient like a regular window and I ended up covering it with rigid insulation and turning the window into a wall cabinet.

 

[D45]

Are the current wood framed windows going to just be caulked in or maybe a few perimeter nails into the concrete?

Just wondering how hard/easy it will be to remove all four

 

[6768rogues]

I like real windows and not glass blocks. Window replacement companies have replacement cellar windows available for low cost in standard sizes. They are hopper windows, with the top pulling in and the bottom is the hinge point. They also have screens and are modern energy efficient window technology. You rip yours out, put the new one in by screwing the top to the wood sill plate on the house and each bottom corner through the side to the masonry wall with tapcons. Some caulk around it and you are done. I used to get caulk that was sandy and looked just like mortar; don't know if it is still available. It was for patching seams on fake brick panels.
If you want crappy looking glass block windows, go for it. They have no structural strength and because they are not porous they do not stick to mortar well, so they need reinforcing between them. They are not as secure as many people think.

 

[cdestuck]

I had the typical 6 pane Windows in my basement. I did what you are thinking about in using the glass blocks. However what I did was for a statics and a newer look I remove the entire frame and put in a new frame with limestone. Are used 3 inch thick pieces for the sill and kept them at a slight angle for water run off. I've been used three pieces of 1 1/2 inch thick for the sides and top. And then had Windows made up with a center event for the window.

I had no clue what the limestone would run for my project but it worked out to about $500 for six windows. And it really makes a sharp appearance