Need help with a basement window
#1
06-20-13, 06:03 PM
Need help with a basement window
I need to replace a basement window. Not the most handy person, but have been reading articles and watching videos.
The video of the window I am replacing is here: Basement Window - YouTube. As you can see, there is a metal casing attached to the concrete. The window sits inside this. I'm hoping I don't have to take this out, do I? The house is approx 40 years old. Dimensions of the window are 31" x 16.5" or 17". I can't really tell because part of the window is in this metal casing thing.
Here are a few pics of the window. Photo Album - Imgur There is a wood sill and trim on the interior side.
So my questions:
Do I need to remove the wood trim and sill when replacing the window? I don't think I need to remove this metal casing, anyone seen this before? I imagine the window frame will screw into the metal casing? Is this a situation I could potentially do block windows and just put the mortar over the metal?
Sorry for the novice questions, thanks in advance!
The video of the window I am replacing is here: Basement Window - YouTube. As you can see, there is a metal casing attached to the concrete. The window sits inside this. I'm hoping I don't have to take this out, do I? The house is approx 40 years old. Dimensions of the window are 31" x 16.5" or 17". I can't really tell because part of the window is in this metal casing thing.
Here are a few pics of the window. Photo Album - Imgur There is a wood sill and trim on the interior side.
So my questions:
Do I need to remove the wood trim and sill when replacing the window? I don't think I need to remove this metal casing, anyone seen this before? I imagine the window frame will screw into the metal casing? Is this a situation I could potentially do block windows and just put the mortar over the metal?
Sorry for the novice questions, thanks in advance!
#2
06-20-13, 09:48 PM
Group Moderator
Your windows appear to have a steel jamb that was commonly used with poured foundations. The original hopper sashes have been removed, and a storm window retrofitted in it's place. The steel jambs are a real bite to get out. Most commonly I will leave that type in place since getting them out is pretty labor intensive, and just measure the new window to fit inside that existing metal frame.
If you were going to remove the steel jamb, a cutting torch or 4" grinder would be your best bet, cutting each side in half, then removing the corner sections. But then you need to consider how you will cap the raw concrete edges once they are exposed.
Only advantage to removing the steel is less cold/heat transfer in the winter, and sometimes they are so rusty that people want to get rid of them.
You didn't mention your intentions with replacing the window... do you already have one, or at this point in time are you trying to figure out what size to order, and how it will be installed?
If you were going to remove the steel jamb, a cutting torch or 4" grinder would be your best bet, cutting each side in half, then removing the corner sections. But then you need to consider how you will cap the raw concrete edges once they are exposed.
Only advantage to removing the steel is less cold/heat transfer in the winter, and sometimes they are so rusty that people want to get rid of them.
You didn't mention your intentions with replacing the window... do you already have one, or at this point in time are you trying to figure out what size to order, and how it will be installed?
#3
06-21-13, 06:56 AM
Thank you so much for the response! Looks like I will plan to leave the jamb in. At this point, I am trying to determine the size of the window to use and how it will be installed.
I ordered a 32x17 and a 31 x 17 from home depot as I wasn’t sure which would work. Ordered this one: American Craftsman 50 Hopper Basement Windows, 32 in. x 17 in., White, with LowE Insulated Glass and Screen-50 HOPPER at The Home Depot.
Then, I need to figure out how to install it. I think the window is tightly fit in the existing metal frame. Sounds like I leave that frame and install the new window in it? I assume I need to caulk on the outside, but do I caulk the metal jamb or caulk to the metal frame? Sorry, I’m a novice and haven’t done a window before so I really appreciate your help.
I ordered a 32x17 and a 31 x 17 from home depot as I wasn’t sure which would work. Ordered this one: American Craftsman 50 Hopper Basement Windows, 32 in. x 17 in., White, with LowE Insulated Glass and Screen-50 HOPPER at The Home Depot.
Then, I need to figure out how to install it. I think the window is tightly fit in the existing metal frame. Sounds like I leave that frame and install the new window in it? I assume I need to caulk on the outside, but do I caulk the metal jamb or caulk to the metal frame? Sorry, I’m a novice and haven’t done a window before so I really appreciate your help.
#4
06-21-13, 03:27 PM
I would remove the existing window, measure the opening, and order one made to size. A tad oversize so that you could trim it to fit wouldn't hurt if you're prepared to do that.
You need to check with a window company or a lumber yard, not a home improvement center that only stocks ready-made items.
You need to check with a window company or a lumber yard, not a home improvement center that only stocks ready-made items.
#5
07-31-13, 09:01 PM
XSleeper,
I have a similar situation except that the steel is badly rusted on the inside of the house and is coming apart from the concrete on the outside. What is the cleaner way to go - cutting torch or grinder? Would the torch harm the concrete below the metal as its cut? Where to get started on something like this? Any guidance is highly appreciated.
Thanks
Vik
I have a similar situation except that the steel is badly rusted on the inside of the house and is coming apart from the concrete on the outside. What is the cleaner way to go - cutting torch or grinder? Would the torch harm the concrete below the metal as its cut? Where to get started on something like this? Any guidance is highly appreciated.
Thanks
Vik
#6
07-31-13, 09:05 PM
Group Moderator
Vik.....it's more effective to start your own thread. You should include an inside and outside picture of your window too.
