Basement Windows
Basement windows are not often thought about when someone thinks about home improvement. Basement windows seem like very simple things that are designed for installation in masonry foundation walls. They are small, they open to the outside and allow fresh air and light; therefore adding a comfortable feel to your basement. However, these windows are a lot more important than you think.
Old and drafty basement windows waste a lot of energy through gaps and open sections. As a result, utility bills can be more costly than they need to be. Older windows are also very fragile with a single pane of glass; which are not only another factor in the huge heating bills, but a security factor as well. This glass is appealing to intruders due to it's ease of breakage. Old, leaky windows are also a contributing factor to flooding basements.
What Are The Things To Consider Regarding My Basement Windows?
There are several things to consider regarding basement windows; among them include the size of the windows, their safety factor and how they are sealed.
- The number of windows required depends on the usage of the basement itself. If the basement is used for storage and possibly laundry, the number of windows may not be too important. But if the basement is used for living space, it is important that you have as many windows as possible, both for light and for escape routes in case of fire. In this case, the more windows the better.
- Basement windows must be 20 inches high and have a width of 24 inches to allow the occupants to escape or rescue workers inside in case of fire according to the International Residential Code.
- Since old and drafty basement windows wastes a lot of energy, it is important that the windows are well sealed, and that the windows have additional forms of insulation to hold in heat in the wintertime.
- To help prevent flooding through your basement windows, be sure that they remain in good repair by sealing tightly when closed. Make sure that water does not funnel to the window by having proper drainage on the ground near the window. Attachments such as foot tall shields can be purchased to keep the water away.
- Basement windows are popular places for intruders to enter your home, since a simple glass window can easily break with objects such as rocks, crowbars are even their shoes or boots. There are several measures to take to prevent burglars from entering through the basement windows. One of the steps is to be sure the basement is locked from the inside. You should also make use of cross braces or window coverings, to prevent the windows from being easily broken. Other ways include building the windows with glass bricks or reinforcing them to prevent breakage.
- Don't forget the aesthetics. Basement windows are just not only used for functional purposes, they can be used for aesthetic purposes as well. They not only look good on the outside, but inside as well. Today, basement windows come in a wide variety of types and styles so you can choose the right one for your interior design.
