What is the best basement window for your home?

Basements are places in our homes where we can use as guest rooms, place where we can stash our clutter or even an extra room for relaxation. Because basements are found below ground level one of the problems they encounter is that sunlight has a hard time entering it. Basement windows are constructed at the top of the wall just above ground level or are built surrounded by a well to be able to have sunlight.

This makes it essential to pick the right basement window to help allow sunlight to enter. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

Windows affect heating and cooling costs of your home so choose energy efficient basement windows. Single pane or double pane windows have different options for air that is trapped between two panes to escape making you consume less energy.

It is also good to choose vinyl windows as they are less keen to problems with moisture and are less energy consuming.

There are different window styles and it is good to consider Hopper windows which open at the top or Awning windows which open at the bottom.

The size of the basement window is also something to importantly consider before purchasing. The International Building Code (IRC) requires windows to be a minimum of 24 inches wide by 20 inches high. This allows a person to exit through the window in case of an emergency.

Although there are ready made windows which you can buy, I prefer customized basement windows. They not only save us time and money, but it follows the style, size and material that you want. Customized basement windows makes us able to use the existing framing where the previously installed window was and it lessens the amount of work you place on installing the windows.

After the purchase of the basement windows it is also important to get the manufacturer's documentation to support any planned tax credits. If you want to learn more about tax credits, go to the Energy Star web site.

Tags: basements | basement windows | home improvement |




What is the best basement window for your home?