Choosing basement windows is not as easy as it sounds. Even if you haven’t finished the basement and only use it to do laundry or store things, a good window will mean good ventilation and no mold infestations in the long run. That’s good for the whole house.
Now, if the basement is finished and you remodel now to make the space livable, you may even need an egress basement window. Permits. Good security. Excellent insulation. You see our point? There’s a lot to consider before you select a window for the basement and we are here to make it much easier for you.
Types of basement windows that work for you
As long as there’s enough space, you can get any window for the basement. The common choices range from casement and hopper to awning and sliding windows. Casements windows swing inwards or outwards. Hopper windows open inwards. Awning windows open outside. Sliding ones, of course, slide.
In order to choose, you need to call a window installation company and ask them to measure to see how much space you’ve got and so which type you can get. Measurements are important, if you want a perfect fit and great functionality.
Invest in your security with quality basement windows
Whether the basement is finished or not, don’t take risks with your home security. Even if you don’t get down to the basement often, someone may break in and get inside. If you are getting into the expense of a basement window installation, at least make sure you invest in your security – tempered glass, durable frame, good locks.
Focus on the window’s good insulation
For great thermal protection, you need to be sure the basement window meets all needed standards. Talk with your contractor about the thermal values of the glass, the seals, the frame, whether to get triple or double glass panes, and which gas they put in between the panes. All these things matter a lot to the energy efficiency of the window.
Of course, the quality of the window installation service matters equally much. Even the best window with all the necessary energy efficient features won’t provide the expected thermal protection if it’s not installed correctly. Assuming that this won’t be a problem, you will notice a huge difference in your energy bills and feel more comfortable if you have turned the basement into a livable space.
Allow for good ventilation
Basement windows are often shorter/smaller than the windows in the rest of the house. But you need to be sure that they open all the way to be able to air the basement. This part of your home is rather damp. You won’t only need good insulation but also good ventilation. The combination of the two will ensure a comfortable basement and will exclude the possibility of mold build up. Besides, a basement is still a basement. It comes with a certain odor – at least, most of the times. You need to be sure you can air it easily, particularly if this is your playroom or a guest room. The best basement window for easy ventilation? Hopper windows.
Talk with your window contractor
Find your window installers first. That’s the best first step since you will be offered guidance in terms of which type and what size to choose, to start with. Because they measure and provide solutions for all basements and insulation expectations. Most importantly, you need to know from the start if there’s a need for some permits in your location. Or, if it’s mandatory that you get egress windows – in other words, windows designed to allow for fast evacuation in case of an emergency. Start with that and the rest will fall into place.