How Do You Replace A Basement Window In A Concrete Foundation?
How Do You Replace A Basement Window In A Concrete Foundation?
Replacing a basement window may appear to be a job for a professional, but it is actually rather easy if you have the correct expertise and direction. Here’s how to replace a basement window:
Step 1.
Disassemble all “sash” components and save the basic aluminum or steel frame. The louvers, or glass slats, of this jalousie window had to be removed in this basement window replacement instance. However, it might be a hopper or an awning sash.
Step 2.
After you’ve eliminated the window’s internals, it’s time to assault the frame. The objective here is to go down to the concrete’s rough opening. Because the frame has been attached to the concrete, it is not the easiest task in the world.
Step 3.
Using a metal-cutting blade on a reciprocating saw, make a deep cut in the centre of the bottom of the frame. This will decrease the frame’s strength and allow you to insert a pry bar in the space between the concrete and the aluminum or steel framework
Step 4.
Working on one side of the frame at a time, grab the pry bar and slowly push it out of the rough hole. Because steel is considerably more difficult to peel off than aluminum, you will almost certainly need to make a cut with the reciprocating saw on every side of the frame.
Step 5.
You’re left with the rough aperture in the concrete once you’ve obtained the window frame. If you still need to buy replacement windows, here is what you need to measure. Even if you’ve already purchased replacement basement windows, take measurements to ensure a proper fit.
Step 6.
You cut the fins on the outer edge of the window—these are additional pieces of vinyl that were interfering with how the window fits into the hole—you may need to make some alterations to the window itself.
The changes you need to make, if any, will be determined on your specific scenario and how near your window is to the rough opening. Before making any substantial changes to the rough opening or the window itself when replacing a basement window, always double-check and measure twice.
Step 7.
Insert the window into the rough aperture, ensuring sure it is installed correctly. If the proportions are precise or extremely near, the window should fit snugly.
Step 8.
Remove the window sashes and screen to have access to the screw holes. If the new basement window is a slider, the sashes and screen panel should be carefully pulled up into the top track one at a time until the bottom of the sash clears the bottom track. The sashes are readily removed from the inside.
Step 9.
Install double-threaded concrete screws along the sides and top of the window to hold it in place.
Step 10.
If your replacement window came with screw cover plugs, install them.
Step 11.
Replace the sashes and screen in the window.
Step 12.
Fill the inner space between the cement and the glass with caulk.
Step 13.
Spray foam the space between the window and the cement from the outside. The strip of solid foam on the edge of the replacement window may be exposed to the elements depending on how your window fits within the wall. To achieve a tighter insulated barrier, you tore this off before spraying spray foam.
How Deep Does A Concrete Foundation Need To Be?
Many people are concerned about the depth of their concrete foundation. First of all, it is important to understand that a depth of 700 millimeters is acceptable for a concrete foundation as long as the ground has adequate bearing capacity.
If you have a high water table, the bearing capacity is cut in half. For this reason, it is essential to keep the foundation as high as possible. Additionally, the deeper the foundation, the more load-bearing the concrete will be.
This is because the concrete will be pressed more firmly against the underlying bedrock, which will help to resist future settlements. Concrete foundations can be as deep as you need them to be in order to ensure adequate strength and durability.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the deeper the foundation, the more expensive it will be to construct. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the foundation can support the weight of the house, as well as any future additions or modifications.
If you are unsure about the depth of your foundation or need help determining if it is adequate, please contact a professional contractor.
How Do You Finish A Room With A Protruding Concrete Ledge Foundation?
If you have a protruding concrete ledge foundation, you may need to consider one of the following three solutions:
Frame Walls Inside The Ledge
This is the simplest and quickest solution. Simply frame walls inside the ledge, and then put a “cap” of some sort on the ledge when you finish.
Build Two Separate Walls, One On Top Of The Ledge, And The Other In Front Of The Ledge.
This is the second solution. You would first need to build two separate walls, one on top of the ledge, and the other in front of the ledge.
You would then need to put a “cap” of some sort on the ledge when finishing. This could match the wall material or be a piece of trim. This is usually only done when one wants a place to store moments and knickknacks and is far less cost-effective.
Paint Or Epoxy The Concrete
The last solution is to paint or epoxy the concrete. This is the cheapest solution, but it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing.
