Basement Windows: What's NOT Recommended

Steel Basement Windows

Steel basement windows are typically designed with single-pane glass held in a steel sash (the movable part of the window). The sash pivots in a steel window frame. These windows are popular with builders because they're inexpensive.

Disadvantages of Steel Windows:

Poor Energy Efficiency: Instead of holding in the heat during cold winter weather, steel window frames allow heat to escape outside, making the basement much colder than necessary. Poor weatherstripping on these windows provides pathways for air infiltration

Short Lifespan: Within 5-10 years' time, steel basement windows can rust and corrode so badly that they need to be replaced. That means that from the day they're installed onward, they're already beginning to deteriorate.

Loss of Functionality: When steel basement windows begin to rust in place, they will become difficult or impossible to open and close. Keeping the windows clean, functional and attractive becomes more and more of a task.

Wood-Framed Basement Windows

A wood basement window typically has a painted wood frame that holds one or more panes of glass. Some wood basement windows have sash that is operable, while other types can't be opened or closed.

Disadvantages of Wood-Framed Windows

Continual Maintenance: The paint on the window's exterior will break down continually. To keep these windows looking good, you'll need to repaint them every 5-8 years.

Short Lifespan: Wood basement windows are exposed to more water, mud, and humidity than other windows in your home. So while any window frame can be damaged by rot, this kind of damage occurs more quickly on wood basement windows.

Mold & Pests: Along with rot, wooden window frames will also support mold growth. And because basement windows are located so close to the ground, this damp, rotting wood can attract termites, carpenter ants, and other insects you don't want in your home.

Old-Fashioned Basement Window Wells

Old-style basement window wells are typically made from aluminum or steel. They are most often installed in a half-oval shape that encloses your basement window.

Disadvantages To Old-Fashioned Window Wells

Poor Energy Efficiency: Without a well-fitted window well cover, snow and ice can fill the well, and cold outside air can enter your basement through leaks around the window frame. These conditions make the basement and upstairs living space chilly, forcing your furnace to work overtime. If you replace your old-fashioned window well with a new version that includes a clear cover, you gain valuable protection from frigid outdoor temperatures.

Short Lifespan: Steel window wells can rust and deteriorate quickly, ,leaving an ugly, corroded shell around each window. That's not the view you want from inside your basement.

Debris, Snow, & Rainwater: Open window wells will continually fill with dirt, leaves, debris, rainwater, and snow. As this debris builds up, weeds and even tree seedlings may begin to grow in the window wells.

Along with the eyesore, water pooling in wells will build up against the basement windows. Most basement windows are not water-tight, so that water is likely to end up leaking through to your basement space.