How To Install Window In Concrete Wall

Download Article

Download Article

If yous have a basement window that's in desperate need of an update, remove the frame and replace the window. Install a new window that fits the space and caulk around the frame to waterproof it. If y'all need to install a new window in a physical wall, cut a hole that's large enough to agree your new window. Then make a custom frame and button the window in place.

1. 1

   Remove the wood frame and sash or metal buck frame. If you lot accept a wooden-framed window, pry off the frame and sash using a pry bar. Then take a reciprocating saw and cut betwixt the wall studs and the frame. If you have a metallic window frame that's rusted, decide if information technology was screwed or riveted in place. Unscrew information technology if you tin or employ a drill to remove the rivets. Then pull abroad the metal frame from the surrounding physical.^[1]

   • The wooden frame is also chosen a jamb while a metal frame is also called a buck.
   • If the metal frame isn't rusted, y'all can typically leave it in identify and replace just the window pieces.

2. two

   Measure the window frame and so you know what size replacement to get. For a wooden window frame, mensurate the width and superlative of the frame. Utilise the inside measurements instead of the exterior measurements since some window sills are sloped. If y'all're measuring a metal window frame, measure the height and width.^[2]

   • If you didn't have the frame out, you lot can simply measure the size of the window. If you can't get an exact size, order a slightly smaller window that you tin make full in with mortar.

   Advertisement

3. iii

   Clean the window opening and remove any ridges of mortar. Use a bucket-type vacuum to suck up any dust or debris from the window opening. If you have a concrete or brick opening, cheque for ridges that will make information technology difficult to install the new window. To remove concrete ridges, utilize a hammer and cold chisel to flake away the excess mortar.^[3]

   • If you don't want to fleck away mortar ridges, consider ownership a window that'south smaller and won't need to be installed over the ridge.

4. iv

   Place the replacement window in the frame and drill information technology in place. Take out the sash and screen from the new window to make it easier to get to the screw holes. Then carefully push the window into the opening. Utilize galvanized or stainless steel screws to spiral the window in place.^[4]

   • If you're screwing the window into concrete, yous'll have to screw double-threaded physical screws using a hammer drill.
   • Cheque to see if your replacement window came with screw comprehend plugs and put them on if so.

5. 5

   Fill in the gaps between the window and foundation. Now that yous've replaced the window, look to see if the window is flush with the surrounding foundation. If there are whatsoever gaps, you lot'll need to use a filler to seal the gap. Consider using one or more than of these:^[5]

   • Mortar
   • Mortar and brick or rock
   • Caulk for the sides or meridian of the frame
   • Urethane spray foam for under the will
   • Custom-cut pipe insulation

6. half-dozen

   Put the window sash and screen back in and polish abroad any mortar. Put whatever of the window parts back in place. One time the mortar or caulk is completely dry, apply a smooth trowel to smoothen the mortar or caulk so information technology's affluent with the foundation of the window.^[six]

   • Read the mortar or caulk parcel to determine how long it needs to dry. Depending on the production, information technology may have a few hours to a few days to dry out.

7. 7

   Utilize primer to the bare parts of the wooden window. If you're replacing a wooden window, you'll need to protect it from rain and the elements. Spread 1 coat of exterior-form primer to the bare forest and let information technology dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.^[vii]

   • Once the primer is dry, decide if you lot want to paint the wooden frame to match your dwelling house's trim.

Advertisement

1. 1

   Measure the size of your window and get a permit. If yous want a basement window that will satisfy egress codes, it needs to be at least 5.seven square ft (9.ix m) in size. Specifically, the window has to be at least 20 in (50 cm) wide and 24 in (61 cm) high. Once you know the size you want your window to exist, take a sketch of it to your city's building inspector'south role to get a building let.^[8]

   • The lesser of the window can't be more than 44 in (i.1 m) from the flooring. This ensures that the window is easy to use equally an emergency entrance or get out.

2. 2

   Cull a location for the window and marker the outline with tape. You may want to put the window on the wall that will requite the best light and expect the all-time from the exterior. Pay attention to whatever obstacles you might confront when installing the window. Once yous're satisfied with where to place the window, outline the window measurements on the wall using masking tape.^[nine]

   • Make the outline iii 1/2 in (8 cm) wider and 1 3/4 in (four cm) higher to account for the wooden frame.
   • Obstacles for installation include buried utilities, plants growing on the exterior, wiring for the house, and ductwork. If you aren't certain if you take cached utilities or wiring, call your utility company before starting the project.

3. 3

   Build a temporary support wall for additional support. If the joists are perpendicular to the wall you're cutting into, build a 2 x 4 ft (lx x 120 cm) support wall. Make the wall 3 ft (90 cm) in front of the wall you're cutting into. Screw the back up wall firmly into identify at the top and bottom where it meets the joists.^[10]

   • If the joists aren't perpendicular to the window wall or the window will be less than 48 in (one.2 m) broad, you can skip this step.

4. four

   Staple plastic sheeting to the temporary wall to grab the dust. Before you begin cutting into the wall, hang 6-mil plastic sheeting from the temporary wall and staple it in place. Cut slits in the plastic so you lot can elevator it up and staple the sheeting in between the joists.^[xi]

   • The plastic will contain the grit and droppings from cutting which volition make clean up easier.

5. 5

   Mark the cutting lines and drill through pilot holes on the corners. Measure out and mark the dimensions of the window on the exterior using masking tape. Use a hammer drill and a long bit to drill pilot holes through the middle of the lesser cutting line. You'll as well need to drill level holes at the corners of the window and then they go through the wall.^[12]

   • Use a level to ensure that you're marker the window accurately. Use the measuring lines as guides when you drill.

6. 6

   Use a concrete saw to cut the interior and exterior outline of the window. Apply a 14 inch (35 cm) concrete saw with a diamond blade to cut the outline of the window from the inside and exterior. Make the cutting nearly 1/2 in (1.3 cm) deep. Yous'll demand to go around the outline twice with the saw, making a 1/ii in (ane.3 cm) deep cut the 2d fourth dimension also.^[13]

   • If the saw is making likewise much grit every bit information technology cuts the physical, wet the blade.

7. vii

   Knock out the physical and polish the opening. Accept a 4 lb (1.8 kg) sledgehammer and striking the concrete nigh the superlative part of the window's center. Then hit around the center edges of the window. The concrete will brainstorm to autumn out of the wall. Once nearly of it is out, apply a brick chisel to remove small bits of concrete that remain.^[fourteen]

   • At this indicate yous can check to ensure that the rough frame and window will fit the opening y'all just made.

8. 8

   Fill up the exposed wall blocks with newspapers and concrete. Accept several newspapers and crumple them upwardly. Stuff them into the exposed physical blocks. Then utilise a cement trowel to fill the blocks with physical and cover them with plastic sheeting.^[15]

   • The newspapers will forbid the concrete from falling downwards through the blocks.
   • The plastic sheeting will prevent the water from the physical from warping the window frame sill.

9. nine

   Install and screw the sill and frame in place. To install the sill, screw 3 in (seven.five cm) deck screws through the wood into the wet concrete. Then push the header in place and spiral information technology to the floor joists. Install the frame sides then they fit tightly and blindside them into identify. Drill screws at a an angle through the frame sides.^[16]

   • The frame sides will support the header.

10. 10

    Anchor the frame and caulk around it. Utilize 2 3/16 x three one/4 in (.5 10 viii.ii cm) concrete screws to secure the frame to the cake wall. Then use a polyurethane or exterior caulk to fill up in gaps between the frame and concrete.^[17]

    • If you want the screws to exist flush to the frame, countersink them so they don't extend past the frame.
    • If the gaps are wider than one/4 in (6 mm), install a foam backer rod into the gap. And so seal with the caulking.

11. 11

    Caulk around the inside of the frame and install the window. Get help to hold upwardly the new window and center it in identify. Then remove the window and then y'all can caulk around the wood frame. Put the window dorsum in place and ensure it's level. Drill screws into the nailing fin so the window is secured.^[xviii]

    • Check your specific nailing fin to see if information technology'due south supposed to exist nailed in place instead screwed in place.

12. 12

    Remove the temporary wall and let the window dry out for two to 3 days. Pull down the plastic sheeting y'all installed to contain grit and and so accept down the temporary support wall. Leave the new window to set and dry before you lot pigment or use the window.^[19]

    • It may take longer for your window to fix if your basement is very damp or humid.

Advertising

Add New Question

• Question

  How exercise I get more light from those tiny basement windows?

  

  Endeavour using mirrors to reflect calorie-free to different areas of the room. Even but painting the windowsill and any other surrounding shoulders brilliant white tin dramatically increase the window light output.

• Question

  Can I use pressboard or interior window sill?

  

  Pressboard (particle board) is an cheap option for a new windowsill frame.

• Question

  We are ready to install two basement windows. There is an R/O with wood trim. Practise we have to remove the wood R/O before we install the windows or do the windows sit down in this opening?

  

  No, not if the windows fit. As long every bit they're in good shape, at that place's no law against re-using them nor keeping them undisturbed. However, if they're just blocking empty space or pocket-sized gaps, I'd remove them and insulate the new window to exist air, h2o and bug-tight.

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your electronic mail address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

• Once you've installed the window, bevel the ledge nether information technology then water drains away.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Ad

• Always vesture safety equipment such as a mask and safety goggles.

• While you can cutting through concrete block walls safely, you lot should hire a professional to cutting the window if your basement walls are poured physical.^[20]

Advertizement

Things You'll Demand

• Common cold chisel
• Reciprocating saw
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Replacement window
• Galvanized or stainless steel screws
• Power drill and screw driver
• Double-threaded concrete screws
• Hammer drill
• Bucket-type vacuum
• Filler for gaps
• Polish trowel
• Paint brush
• Exterior-grade primer
• Rubber glasses, grit mask, and hearing protection

• Masking tape
• Tape measure
• half-dozen-mil plastic sheeting
• 2 ten iv ft (lx ten 120 cm) lumber for temporary wall
• 3 in (7.v cm) deck screws
• Hammer drill with long scrap
• Concrete saw with a 12 or 14 in (30 or 35.5 cm) blade
• Prophylactic glasses, dust mask, and hearing protection
• Brick chisel
• four pounds (i.eight kg) sledgehammer
• Level
• Caulk gun
• Concrete
• Physical trowel
• Newspapers
• Shims, optional

Almost This Article

Article Summary 10

To install a replacement basement window, remove the frame and sash, so measure out the window frame so you know what size to go. Clean the window opening to remove whatever debris before you lot place the replacement window in the frame. After yous screw the window into the frame, fill in any gaps with mortar, caulk, or spray cream. So, put the window sash and screen back in and smooth abroad any mortar or caulk. Read on to acquire how to install an egress window in your basement!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a folio that has been read 77,137 times.

Did this commodity help you?

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Basement-Windows

Posted by: bowdenheman1981.blogspot.com

Share this post