Basement windows are a great addition to any home. They provide natural light and ventilation, as well as access to the outdoors for gardening or storage. However, there is more than one type of basement window available on the market today. Choosing which one is right for you can be confusing and overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to choose a new basement window. The article is presented by houseilove.com.
What is a basement window?
A basement window is a window that opens into the basement. It can be used for ventilation, light and heat, as well as an emergency escape or security purposes. The most common type of basement window is a fixed pane with glass panes held together by metal bars at the corners. They do not open and close as other windows do. They stay in place with hinges on one side while you open them up from the frame using handles on top of each side. Such as, replacing steel frame basement windows with vinyl windows is an excellent idea if you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
The main reason why homeowners would choose to have such a thing installed is that it allows them to let natural light into their basements without having to climb upstairs first every single time they want something done down there (not unlike how they would use ground-level windows).
What are the benefits of installing a basement window?
A basement window can do a lot for your home. It will increase light, air flow and security. A basement window also helps to decrease humidity, which can lead to mold growth if left unchecked. If you’re looking for increased safety in your home, this needs to be taken into account as well!
Benefits of installing a basement window:
Increased light – This goes hand in hand with allowing more natural light into your home through one or more windows on the lower level. Some people feel claustrophobic when there is too much artificial lighting throughout their house, but this isn’t an issue with having windows where you need them most.
Increased airflow – Ventilation is key when it comes to keeping interior spaces comfortable while still maintaining good indoor air quality, as well as avoiding mold growth over time.
Increased security – Having access points on multiple levels of your house means that anyone trying to break in will have much more difficulty doing so since they won’t know where exactly everyone else might be located at any given time.
Decreased humidity – The only way for moisture particles inside our home’s walls/ceilings etcetera is through cracks caused by poor construction techniques, such as settling foundations after construction.
How to choose the right size of basement window
When choosing the size of the basement window, it’s important to consider the size of your opening. If you have an unusually small or large window opening, it may be difficult to find a perfect match for your needs. The following chart will give you some guidance as to what sizes are available and which ones would work best for each type of basement window (single-hung, double-hung, casement).
Single Hung Basement Windows: These windows typically measure 36″ tall by 24″ wide.
Double Hung Basement Windows: These windows typically measure 30″ tall by 24″ wide or 30″ tall by 36″ wide.
Casement Basement Windows: These windows typically measure 30″ tall by 72″, 30″ tall by 84″, 36″ tall by 84″, or 36″ tall by 96″.
Consider energy efficiency
Before choosing a basement window, you should consider the energy efficiency of your home. You can calculate your home’s energy efficiency by measuring the amount of heat loss or gain that occurs through each square foot of glass (called “U-value”). U-values range from 0.05 to 1.0, with lower numbers indicating better insulation and more expensive windows costing more per square foot.
To determine which type of window works best for your home, you need to know how much insulating value is required to be comfortable during cold and humid summers without having high utility bills or condensation problems on interior walls. This will depend on the climate zone and season.
In addition, you should also consider current window styles when looking at our selection because they will suit different architectural designs well while providing security measures against intruders, like shatterproof glass or burglar alarms that come standard on many models as an option with purchase!
Check local building codes
Before starting your basement window shopping, check local building codes.
Check with the city planner to find out if any zoning regulations apply to you and your project.
Check with the building code office for additional requirements for permits and inspections.
Check local code requirements for any specific products or materials that must be used in the construction of basement windows, such as glass thicknesses or air leakage standards.
Conclusion
There are many types of basement windows, but they all share a similar function: they let light into dark basements. They also provide an easy way for homeowners to get fresh air without going outside or through the main living space.
