Basement Window Design

For one, basements are often stuffy and feel close or crowded. Ventilation is important to basements in order to make them a livable area. Basement windows play a big part in ventilation; just because they may not let much usable light in, they provide another valuable service. Basement windows can help circulate air, and provide a portal for the entrance in and exit out of air that is being circulated. Without this ventilation many people would find their basements depressing and confining, and their use would be limited.

Another valuable function of a basement window is as a means of entrance or exit from the house should situation prove necessary. Because of this use there are certain specification that must be met when selecting basement windows. For one, basement windows are not like the other windows in your home, so do not be fooled into thinking you can just get the same windows for every space in your home. Basement windows are specially designed for installation in masonry foundation walls. Although they are, generally speaking, relatively small in size compared to most of the vast array of windows available, it is important to select basement windows that meet the egress standards of local codes when the windows will be installed in a finished basement. So what are these standards or size, etc.? According to the International Residential Code, an egress window must be at least 24 in. wide and 20 in. high with a net clear opening of at least 5.7 sq. ft. to allow occupants to escape in an emergency or to allow a fully outfitted firefighter to enter from the outside. While this may seem like a rather large space for a basement window, should your house ever catch fire, and a firefighter need enter through a basement window, you will be grateful for such regulations.

Hopper: This is the most common type used in the basements. Hoppers are very simple and easy to install. This is inexpensive type of window. You can find this type in a variety of different sizes, colors and designs. This type of basement window is opened by tilting inward from the top and the hinges are on the bottom of the frame and the screen of this window is placed on the outside frame.

Slider: This name gives a clear picture of this type. Slider windows are opened and closed by sliding side to side. Slider windows are a bit expensive but are very convenient in use. These windows are ideal for larger windows. It is easier to slide to open instead of swinging up and down especially in basement. Its screen can be on the inside or the outside of the window. Sliding windows are called glider windows as well.

Awning: This is the most expensive type used in the basements. These are more stylish and have modern look and are suitable for larger basement. These windows are opened by swinging from the bottom and are hinged to the top of the frame. The screen of awning window is placed o the inside.

Exit windows: These are mostly for the basements which are used for sleeping or living. This type of windows is for emergency exit. This window expands outward from a window space for easy escape.

Other regulations for basement windows include:
Regulations for venting: as discussed, basement windows are great sources for venting. However, when it comes to basement windows, it needs to either be able to vent, or not. Venting configuration regulations say that if you want to use the window for ventilation it needs to have venting capabilities OR it has to be stationary, which means non-operating.

Height restrictions and regulations: There are two regulations for basement windows, height and width, and are based on the nominal height and width of windows. Nominal height refers to the measurement across the longest side of the unit (from top to bottom). This measurement is expressed in inches, and rounded to the nearest full inch.