Basement Windows

They are in! Three windows. Sure, the finishing work still need to be done, both inside and out, but they are in--they open and close letting in both light and fresh air, but they keep out the critters.

I guess I need better pictures as well as one from the outside.

Putting in windows has changed a bit since I last did it. Back in the day, the windows came with brick molding (the decorative trim around the outside of the window) already attached. The window was then set in the opening, squared and plumbed, then nailed to the wall through the brick molding. That is what held the window in place.

Now, they come clad in plastic/vinyl. The vinyl extends out beyond the window and is perforated for nails which hold it in place. This system helps seal the window better from Mother Nature and gives the builder or home owner more options for the style of trim to use. The window is shaped such that no additional trim is necessary—siding or other exterior wall covering can come right up to it, just leave enough space for expansion and sealant.

My work did not go unnoticed. One critter, a chipmunk, noticed that he could see into the basement so he joyfully jumped into the window well only to learn about glass. Unable to get into the basement, he turned to run out the tunnel that he normally used only to find that it was buried under a pile of pea rock that was moved back to make room for the window.

A rather new 2X6 was put in for a ramp, but it proved too slippery. So, a weathered peace of plywood became the ramp material of choice.