Choosing the Right Windows for Your Basement

Basements are often overlooked when evaluating a home’s windows.  Because they are often partially below grade, basement windows are less observable, and as the old saying goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.”  But the very reason they are often ignored is the reason they should get deliberate attention.  When a basement is partially or mostly below grade, maximizing the amount of light and ventilation available is of prime importance, especially if the basement space is used with any regularity.

If your basement space is like that in most homes, you have a very limited area in which to put windows, and for most homes standard double-hung windows simply won’t work; there isn’t enough space.  Some homes have glass block installed in the foundation in order to provide light, but that doesn’t allow for ventilation, and the light from glass blocks is somewhat diffused.  So what are your other choices?  As specialists in window solutions, here are some options we’d like to suggest.

• Hopper Windows:  For years these windows have been considered the standard when it comes to basements.   Hopper windows are simple to operate; releasing the lock allows the window to tilt in to provide ventilation.  For basements they are often a great choice because you don’t need any clearance around the foundation to allow for the open window.  These work well in applications where there are shrubs or garden plantings close to the foundation which would be damaged by an open window.   These windows provide the maximum amount of ventilation.
• Awning Windows:  Awnings operate much like a casement window, except instead of cranking out sideways, the window lifts up and out when operated.  Awnings are the second most popular window choices for basement applications, but you need to have sufficient clearance on the exterior of your home to permit the glass panel to open all the way.  They are also not recommended for use if they would open up into a high traffic area, such as next to a sidewalk, where they might be tripped on or struck.   One of the advantages of awning windows is that you can have the window open for ventilation even on rainy days.
• Sliding Windows:  Due to the size of the frame, these work best only when you have a larger area to work with.  In smaller spaces the frame would be disproportionate to the glass area, defeating the purpose of providing light and ventilation.  However, because sliding windows require no clearance either inside or outside, if you have sufficient space they can be a good choice.

Today’s modern replacement windows come in so many styles and configurations that there is a window solution for every situation.  With a little homework and some good professional advice, you can find the right window for any spot in your home – even the basement.

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.