Windows in the basement: selection and installation features

First of all, let’s talk about which windows are best installed in the basement:

1. Wooden. They are rarely used. The windows in the basement are usually separated from the ground by a few centimeters, they have an increased load, they are exposed to dampness. Therefore, the tree in such conditions does not last long, requires careful treatment with antiseptics and regular care..
2. Aluminum. Also a rare option, most often such windows are installed if there are no living quarters in the basement, because the aluminum profile will not provide the necessary thermal insulation.
3. Plastic windows. The most popular and demanded option for a base. First, they have 10-15% more light aperture than the rest. And for a semi-basement, this is important. Secondly, PVC windows have sufficiently high thermal insulation characteristics, are strong and durable.

Having chosen the material for the windows of the basement floor, make sure that at least one sash opens. Be sure to indicate this point when ordering windows of the required size, because basement ventilation is equally important. An opening window will help create a salvo air flow if necessary.

In general, the installation of windows in the basement is no different from the installation of double-glazed windows on other floors. Of course, if their presence was planned in advance, and the basement is high enough so that there is at least 15 centimeters to the ground from the edge of the window. In this case, you can install ordinary plastic windows, as a budget and reliable option..

Otherwise, you will have to make pits near the window openings, and this is additional work and costs.

As you can see in the photo, the pits can be small, just a depression opposite the window to let in as much light as possible into the basement room. The bottom of the pit should be 15–20 centimeters below the level of the windowsill.

But sometimes the recess has to be made to the full height of the window. It turns out a kind of anti-aircraft lantern – there is no view from the window, the light comes from above, but the window performs its main functions: it helps to ventilate and illuminate the room.

When arranging a recess for a window in the basement, it is very important to take care of the presence of drainage, otherwise moisture will accumulate here, which will negatively affect the operation and condition of the entire semi-basement room. For reliability, it is advisable to put a drain grate at the bottom of the pit.

The pit is usually lined with brick or finished with cement, it is possible to install a metal fence that will help keep the soil. Additionally, a canopy above it, for example, made of polycarbonate, allows the window to be protected to let light through.

In addition, if the height of the pit is large, it will not be superfluous to install gratings so that children or pets do not fall into the recess in front of the window. This will also protect against intruders who use such low windows to enter the house..

And we must not forget about high-quality waterproofing and insulation of windows in the basement. The rest of the finish of the basement floor will depend on the material you choose – panels, artificial stone, plaster. Do not forget about finishing the slopes, installing the window sill, if any, platbands for additional insulation of the seams.