Most basement windows in early 20th century Canadian homes were designed to provide a minimum level of ventilation and light. That's because when those homes were built, the basement was not planned for use as a regular living space. But today, that's different. The basement is often the first place homeowners renovate when they need more room. And if you're planning on spending any amount of time down there, those old, awning-style windows found in so many basements just won't cut it.
Choose a window
The design features of the new windows we installed for this project are far superior to the original single-pane wood-frame windows. Not only are the new vinyl units double-glazed, making them more energy-efficient and less prone to drafts, the swing-in design of the model we chose almost doubled the available ventilation with the same size of brick opening.
Installation
Replacing a window is a job that's easier than it looks, providing you're keeping the existing frame in place. If the existing frame is in good condition and relatively square, the first step is to take precise measurements of the inside dimensions of the wood window frame (width and height). Then you can order a replacement at a building centre.
Most home centres stock a variety of ready-made window sizes, but if the size you need is not stocked, you'll have to order it, usually for an additional charge. A standard-size vinyl basement window shouldn't cost more than $250. An economy version, without the swing-in option, should run you less than $200.
1 Comment
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