Archive for the ‘Basement Windows’ Category
Basement Window Well Covers Protect Your Home and Safety
Many people purchase window well covers to eliminate the safety hazard for those who walk around in the areas around your window well.
Many people purchase window well covers to eliminate the safety hazard for those who walk around in the areas around your window well. Window well covers ensure that unnecessary materials do not enter your window well. These easy to install features are great for preventing children or pets from accidentally falling into the window well. They also help protect your home by eliminating access to your basement from the outside.
There are many purposes of window well covers including: cleanliness and the reduction of weeds, keeping water from overflowing gutters from entering your window well, protecting your basement windows and keeping them clean, helping to protect your window well from flooding. Window well covers also keep your pets and children away from danger and protect your windows in the event of a storm. It keeps water, leaves, and other debris out of your window well while still allowing natural light to enter.
Quality window well covers will have the following features: A lifetime warranty Be unbreakable Braced with rust free aluminum Have optional security locks available All spring steel clips which snap off
You really need window well covers if you want to protect your family. While window well covers do so much more than this, this function alone is enough to justify installing them. Window wells are built to last and provide excellent protection for your home. You want to purchase plastic window well covers that are designed specifically for that purpose. Window well covers also help you keep your basement free of moisture by preventing water from building up around your basement windows and leaking in. You may also need to install a proper drainage system which includes a pump to further protect your home from water damage.
Basement Window Wells: Protection and Beauty Combined
People looking to improve their basements often go searching for the right window well. Window wells are bolted to the wall during a basement remodel and serve to keep dirt away from your basement windows. Having clear basement windows gives you natural light and air in your basement as well as provides an emergency escape route.
Benefits of Window Wells
One major benefit of window well is that they keep the area around your basement window clean and clear of weeds. The life of your window frame is also extended as it keeps rain and water away from your windows. It also allows you to have natural light in what might be an otherwise dark basement. Window wells also help to keep wind from gushing up against the window and bringing cold biting air inside. Unless a window well is installed flawlessly you can not warranty it against flooding.
Window Well Installation
You will most certainly get water seeping in from around your basement windows if they are not protected by a window well. Most window wells have a gravel bottom to allow for proper drainage and are constructed from either metal of masonry material. You can also purchase plastic covers for your window well that still let in light but keep out moisture. Basements are particularly vulnerable to the effects of moisture and condensation. You can reduce the effects of moisture by quickly fixing any plumbing problems, venting a basement dryer directly to the outdoors, and opening windows during nice weather. You may also need to install a dehumidifier to keep the area clear of mildew and mold.
Basement window well installation begins when the area around the window is cleared of dirt and washed gravel is installed for drainage. Water along the exterior of the basement is piped away in a drain. Interior water may also need to be piped away with the help of a sump pump.
Replacement Windows for Your Basement
You can have a huge impact in your basement by replacing the windows. You will be sure to notice the natural light and heat that a window allows to enter the room. Basement windows are designed to let in air and light as well as function as emergency exits. While they are normally smaller than the windows you have installed in the rest of your home, installing new basement windows can brighten up your basement and give your family a safe exit point during an emergency.
Basement Window Options
You can replace those old rusted and rotted basement windows with new ones which are constructed using either glass or vinyl. The windows that are produced today are resistant to both rust and rot and will last much longer. While older basement windows were difficult to operate newer insulated models come in regular single sash and sliding sash models. Both styles can include window locks. There are many choices when it comes to the materials and style of your new basement windows.
Basement Window Replacement
You should be able to remove the old window and install your new basement window with little to no damage to the walls or structure of your basement. Think about the particular needs of your home when installing new windows, especially if you live in a low lying area which is prone to flooding. You will find that the best replacement windows are often made of vinyl as they resist rot, mildew, and termites. Another advantage of vinyl windows is that they clean easily.
Purchasing Your Replacement Windows
Many companies produce replacement windows designed for basements. You can get more information about these companies and where to purchase their windows from their websites. You may also want to consult your local yellow pages or basement window retailer.