How To Enlarge Small Basement Windows

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Usual casement windows fail to provide enough light or a good view of outdoors from the basements containing them. But there a few decorative ideas that can make them look brighter and bigger.

Your Options

* Dark and heavy fabrics are best avoided when looking for window treatments for your basement windows. Look for lightweight fabrics in light colors. Having simple panes going from the ceiling to floor on either side gives the delusion of height. If you have a wall with many small windows, covering the same with a continuously running fabric will give it the impression of having a larger number of windows. 

* It’s nice idea to have blinds for enhancing your privacy in the basement area. The trick is to use vertical blinds that seemingly add to the height of the window. Lighter colors give a more expansive look. On using horizontal blinds In light colors you can make the window look wider.

* A valance could significantly change the looks of windows. Fix it on top of the window frame and let it pass along the sides of the window frame.  A wider valance makes the window look wider.  For making it look taller, keep the valance bar over the window frame.

* Whatever treatment you may choose for windows, don’t forget that inclusion of mirrors on the sides or above and below the window can make it look taller or wider. Once you have made window treatment, it will be difficult to judge where it ends and where is the starting point of mirror.

Enhancing With Decor

* Apart from having mirrors next to the windows, you can consider including framed wall mirrors across the windows. Mirrors make the place brighter as they reflect light and give it an enlarged look.

* Having large painting depicting a landscape helps bringing an outdoor view to the inside of your room and gives you the feeling as if you were looking from a window. You need to look for big panes of canvas art and locate them in such a fashion to look like windows in a large area of the wall.

* Clever use of decorative pieces of art like metal wall plaques can be exploited to give the impression of larger windows. In case you like the window look taller, position wall art pieces below it or if you like to give it broader looks, place such decorative pieces on either side of the window.  Likewise, you can give the window an overall larger image by incorporating art pieces at its top and bottom and on both the sides.

* You may use molding around the window.  It gives the same effect as molding on the walls and adds depth to the scene. Having molding on the window in the color of the surrounding walls allows the window to easily blend with the space and thus its small size is not so noticeable.

Dressing a Basement Window

At times it becomes difficult to appropriately dress basement windows as they are tall above the ground and are short and thickset. As it’s difficult to have sufficient natural light in the basement, it’s imperative that the windows be designed to let in more of light. It is prompting to have window treatments on the sides of the window to facilitate more of incoming light. But, in case your basement room is finished, you’ll have sun coming through during certain hours, particularly at the time of sunrise and sunset to give a blinding glare. That makes it important to have handy arrangement to control light for creating pleasant effect.

Light Control Methods

A very typical problem associated with dressing of a basement window is that it’s a block of cement which makes it quite difficult to accommodate hardware for hanging of curtains. In case you like to have some control over the light coming through a casement window, you may try having a tension curtain rod within the casement window to hang curtains that may be pulled along this rod and closed together. It’s important to have curtains in light color when following this arrangement.  That’s because even when you keep the curtains open, they will remain inside the window casing and thus block part of the window space.  However, if you plan to completely block incoming light on certain days but allow it to enter the room on other days it will be good to install a roller blind on top of the window. You have the option of using screws and anchors meant for using on concrete block or get a wooden frame that sits within the window casement which can be used for fixing window treatments like blinds.

Creating Larger Windows

The small and wide nature of basement windows poses another challenge for giving them decorative looks.  If you like to give the impression of full length windows, you may consider installing indoor window shutters, which on being closed would match the width of basement window.  The shutters should be fixed directly under the basement window along with its bottom sill. Next, enclose the window and the shutters jointly with wood trim to get the impression of a large double-hung window with its lower shutters closed.

The protrusion of the basement window forms a small shelf on top of the shutters, giving you an excellent display area for small decorative items. The wooden trim needs to be painted in colors matching the inside of the window casing to create the needed visual effect. You may also have shutters on the sides of the window. These may be closed or opened to control incoming light and enhance privacy in the basement. Have curtains of the same length as the combined height of window and shutter to get the desired look together. That way you can make your short basement window look almost similar to regular windows.

Glass Block Basement Windows - 7 Installation Steps

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Installation of glass block basement windows looks pretty like taking a few blocks, joining them together with mortar and removing the frame to insert them into the opening. Of course it’s that simple only if a skilled person equipped with the required tools does the job. But if you decide to do it, you have to proceed in a definite sequential order for a successful installation of basement windows. Here are those seven steps forming the sequence of doing the job right in the first go itself.



Step 1 – Find out what the foundation is made of and take its size. Usually foundations have masonry openings made by poured concrete or concrete blocks or at times wood frame opening that is more frequent with walk out basements when the lower level is above the ground level of the land surrounding it. Masonry openings should be measured from the top of the sill to the bottom of the header, whereas in case of a frame opening measure the area that will be available after the window sashes would be removed.

Step 2 – Assess the requirements of glass block air vents and a dryer vent. It always helps to have of maximize air flow to facilitate ventilation and thus prevent formation of mold. Vinyl framed energy efficient air vents may be included to have an operable window inside a secure glass block panel. Other options include fully removable sash windows and exhaust power fans.

Step 3 - Block windows come in different designs, colors, styles and even the tinted ones. Take your time deciding what looks best with your kind of space and matches your style. Moreover, the faces of these blocks may be etched with personalized images or stock patterns to match your personal style and interest.



Step 4 - Order the prefabricated glass block panel with mortar or silicone joints. Prefabricated block window assemblies save a lot of time, money, and give better finish.

The choice of joints is a matter of personal choice and the process employed for finishing of windows enabling their perfect fitting in the window openings. The main benefit of mortar joints is that they allow adjustment of the size of the joint and their traditional look that very well matches the brick veneer and block basements. On the other hand, silicone joints offer the advantage of being put to tighter fitting openings and give the looks of an all glass panel. If you are unable to decide what type will best suit you, it will be good to contact a block specialty window fabricator with the dimensions of your openings and seek recommendations of the best jointing process.

Step 5 - Take out the old window sash and/or frame. In case of masonry basement windows take out the window sash along with its frame. The easiest way to do it is to remove the sash first followed by collapsing, cutting or grinding out the old frame with a pry bar, saw, or grinder. In case of frame openings most often you need to remove the sash only.

Step 6 - Using a plumb adjust the correct level of the window and securely wedge it in the opening. Position the window in the opening, ensuring correct location with the help of a level. Then, using a wood window wedge position the pre-made panel in place.

Step 7 - Secure and seal the window into place. Masonry openings are filled by using pre-mixed glass block mortar mix that comes in 50 lbs. bags. Using a hoe or trowel the mixture is prepared and the sides, tops and sills are filled by employing a pastry bag or tuck pointing tool. The gaps between the block panel and the window frame are filled with spray foam insulation. Next, you install wood stops around the panel as per requirements, and finally provide aluminum or PVC coated coil stock over the wood framing on the exteriors.

If you don’t feel sure of your tackling installation of glass block basement window, it will be good to seek opinion of a professional.

What About Steel Basement Windows?

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Well, you opted to have a window in your basement to let in some healthy natural light, lest it should continue looking like a cell. Steel basement windows are sure to get rusted, jammed and corroded over a period of time before they finally fall apart. In the meanwhile you are required to face that untidy piece of steel with natural holes developed therein through which you are lucky if you could avoid getting rainwater! In any case the holes allowed you to have more of air, irrespective of the season or whether you needed it or not. You knew that basements attract humidity and should have not anticipated steel basement window to last beyond ten years.



Water that enters thru the holes of your window frame is just not only causing the window to get rusted, but harming you other ways also. This water could leak down the cracks to the foundation of your basement walls causing some serous and expensive damages, not to mention the puddles of water that get formed on the floor and the damage that is caused there as a result.

So, you got more than your share of rainwater, and fresh air due your basement window. But for everything that came in you had to pay back something. Nothing is free here. Yes, all the time you were paying by throwing out the heat from that window. That apart, you may not be aware that single single-pane steel windows are given an R- insulation rating of 1, meaning that these are capable of stopping only 50% of heat from passing through. That sure drills a big hole in your pocket by way of increased energy bills. As a matter of fact, the US Department of Energy has reported that one could save 30-40% of expense by just sealing all windows during winters.

There is little doubt that single pane basement windows made from heat conducting material like steel have the least of insulation to offer in any home.

If you are considering replacing basement window or plan to have a remodeling, the best option will be to install double-paned vinyl windows. They don’t get rusted or corroded anytime, meaning you won’t have to spend any time or money getting them repaired. You will be glad that you bought those as they continue to look beautiful and retain their looks for years to come.

Over and above everything, vinyl double-paned basement windows are very energy-efficient. Vinyl being a poor conductor of heat won’t let escape heat so easily. Moreover, the air locked between two panes offers further insulation. A good quality vinyl double-paned basement window has an R-insulation rating of 3; that’s thrice the insulation rating of single-paned steel windows. That alone makes it worthwhile investing in such windows as they start paying off soon as you have them installed.

Find Basement Window Installers Online

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It is so good to see the growth of web with every coming day. It would be impossible to get such varied information on such a large variety of subjects in any branch of science or arts. There is not one but a score of websites available to educate you from subjects as varying as how to make a bomb to how to tie the knot of your necktie.

If you want to buy a product, be it industrial or a household, you may get information before hand about various manufacturers or suppliers of the products. Even comparative study of different brands of the same product can be viewed on the Web. But, all this information so easily available at the press of a button by anyone makes it rather difficult to arrive at the right selection of a product needed for most the house owners, especially for a common man. Let’s take a simple case of window installers.

Here’s hurried list of some of the places you may well visit in and around your area to narrow down the choice and help yourself arrive at the right decision.

Let me take the liberty of reminding you to get started with your local white pages, obviously. A word of caution! Don’t just decide on the first one. Go through a couple of pages to make your own list of about a dozen basement window installers.

Another excellent offer is to Goggle it. We all know that is the easiest way of getting the information on any topic, just enter the keyword along with desired location, for instance “replacement window installer in Boston” and you get to view about a dozen service providers to chose from. You get their telephone numbers, addresses and even the bus/train routes to reach them.

Now we have comparison websites too. These enable you to compare similar products from different suppliers, but recently there have come up some sites that compare service companies. Their functioning is akin to search engines: You just visit the Web to search information on different companies and then present the same in search engine style format enabling you to pick the most suitable.

My personal favorite remains pre-screening services as they are easy to handle and provide the necessary information on finding installers for basement windows.

Replacement Window Types - Short Review

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Here’s a review of the five types of window replacement options that generally a house owner comes across, just to get you an exposure of what’s available in the market these days. You’ll find it helpful and interesting.

Aluminum replacement windows

These appear first in the list, but that doesn’t make them the most desirable. They are very well styled and are equally versatile. This is the first choice of many consumers who find them better than vinyl or wood for their homes. These are very durable and hardly call for any maintenance, which makes them popular with commercial buildings as well for being used as basement windows.

Awning replacement windows

Having awning or double hung types of wood replacement windows has its own advantages. They facilitate ventilation, for one. Then, they are so easy to open or close as compared to other styles as they are provided with turning handles and need no sliding or lifting up.

Casement replacement windows

The list of available options for replacement windows would be incomplete without these. There is nothing to beat their classic looks and they have continued to represent a truly American style of architecture and the associated features. They are not the cause of a major energy loss. It loves to have them for the sheer pleasure of getting in more light and for viewing wider views.

Double hung replacement window

If you wish to get that traditional feel, I would suggest you to have double hung ones. These are durable and conserve energy too. It will be a bit difficult to locate many of this kind made from good wood as the present market has a trend for vinyl that dominates the scene generally.

Vinyl replacement windows

To give a modern and classy look to your home that is easy to fix and hardly needs any maintenance, go for vinyl, available in many attractive colors. Their popularity facilitates easy availability and in many brands.

Replacement Basement Windows - Important Factors

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Before you start the process of remodeling your basement, ensure to sort out all the important items you would need. And, one of these is the type of window to have. Long ago basement windows were made of wooden or metallic frames. The problem had been that iron would get rusted and wood got rotten over a period of time. If that is a matter of concern for you, go ahead to get a replacement.

In case you are in a great hurry, the best option would be to opt for the services of a company that specializes in the replacement of basement windows. Still, it would be better to know the basics of the product. The article here is only to help you know a bit about the product and to decide what kind of a basement you should go for.

1. Frames made from Vinyl

Any room or basement should necessarily facilitate good natural circulation of air and windows form a major source of that. Choosing a replacement basement window made off vinyl is appropriate as it does not get rusted. Moreover, the humid conditions and the resultant dampness will not affect a material like vinyl. As it has a modular construction, its installation is convenient.


2. Light

While making a choice, make sure that your basement window is energy efficient. That’s the feature that governs the amount of light entering your basement. Here, you need to pay attention to the thickness of glass and the size of frame. Having known that basements are prone to moisture, it is all the important that you get as much of sunlight as possible.

3. Function

Over and above the points mentioned above, an often overlooked point is using such a window for passing of objects like boards, ladders or poles. Doors are not wide enough for such objects and stairs are quite steep for carrying these items. Apart from offering the much needed ventilation, it will be good to have a replacement window that offers accessibility for long objects.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

Nobody would afford to ignore this factor. To a large extent these windows do contribute to your interiors but can anyone afford to overlook the exteriors! Such an item while adding to the aesthetics of interiors should present an impressive exterior too. Spare some time and thought for a proper plan. The designers are aware of the needs of users. They have created many innovative designs and styles to correspond to varying requirements. You need to spare sometime to examine those. Some of these are provided with sliding panels while others are available with double glass panels. Feel enthusiastic to choose one that best fits your requirements, keeping the above points in mind.

Once you have got all this listed, prepare yourself for the final act of buying the right replacement for fitment at your place. Spare some time to inspect all that is available in the light of points noted above and select one that best meets your listed requirements that should include functionality, durability and looks, not necessarily in that order.

While you are in the process of inspection and buying, you’ll find a large variety with an equally large variation of prices. There will be many beautiful window designs to choose from. Some beautiful piece may cost more than your budget but may have really good quality. Should you find yourself in such a situation, keep the above considerations in mind while you zero down to your final decision.