How To Install Basement Egress Windows (page 4 of 4)

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Basement Egress Windows: Choices

Casement windows (windows that are hinged on one side and crank open) and side-to-side sliding windows are the best choices for egress windows. Double-hung windows (windows that slide up and down) don’t work well because they have to be almost 5 ft. tall in order to meet the minimum openable area requirements—more digging and a deeper well.

Sliding windows don’t have to be as tall as a double-hung, but they do need to be wide. It takes a 48 x 48-in. sliding window to meet the minimum egress requirements.

Casement windows are usually ideal because the entire window swings open. That means you can install a smaller casement window than other types. A 29-in. wide by 47-in. wide (outside frame dimensions) window will meet the requirements, and you can go even smaller if the window is equipped with special egress hinges. Modern casement windows with a single lock are also the easiest for a child to open. Check window sizes in manufacturers’ catalogs at any home center or window and door store.

Tip: Use the joints on the block to help maintain accurate alignment—if you can find them through the tar that’s often spread on the exterior!

Once cut, the blocks won’t fall out. You have to break them out with a 4-lb. hammer. Be sure to wear eye protection. Chips will fly! With the block broken out, you’ll see that your cuts won’t align perfectly. Smooth the sides as best you can with a brick chisel.

Cut the pressure-treated 2x10 to fit the thickness of your wall. Since we had both 8-in. and 12-in. thick blocks, we fit the window to the 8-in. thickness and mortared a beveled sill under the window to shed water over the 12-in. blocks.

Anchoring the rough frame to the block can be tricky. Mark the block where the concrete screws can get a good bite into solid concrete. Don’t try to draw the side frames tight to the wall with the screws. Use shims when tightening the screws to keep the frame straight and plumb (perfectly vertical).

Install The Window And Wall Finishes
Installing the window will go quickly compared with the prep work. Most manufacturers include complete installation instructions with every window. Read through them to check for variations from our procedure. The trim work will vary according to the style of your home. The exterior finish could pose some problems because most foundation walls are coated with rubbery tar below the soil level. We chose to cover the entire exposed foundation around the window and inside the well with metal lath and stucco. If you have lap siding, you may choose to apply furring strips to the concrete and carry the lap siding down into the well area. On the interior, we trimmed the window with tile rather than the more traditional wood sill and casing; however, wood trim also will work well.

Buyer’s Guide
ANDERSEN WINDOWS: (800) 426-4261. www.andersenwindows.com

CRESTLINE WINDOWS: (800) 552-4111. www.CrestlineOnline.com

HURD: (800) 223-4873. www.hurd.com

KOLBE & KOLBE: (715) 842-5666. www.kolbe-kolbe.com

MARVIN WINDOWS: (800) 435-0013. www.marvin.com

PELLA WINDOWS: (800) 547-3552. www.pella.com

POZZI: (800) 257-9663. www.pozzi.com

SILVER LINE: (800) 234-4228. www.silverlinewindow.com

WEATHER SHIELD: (715) 748-2100 or (800) 477-6808. www.weathershield.com