Windows Use for Basement?
I have two 65W x 44H openings in the front of the basement where I want to install new windows. We want something, which allows maximum of light and avoid maximum of street noice. We also do not want to put security bars so security of the windows is of concern. Both openings have metal…
I have two 65W x 44H openings in the front of the basement where I want to install new windows. We want something, which allows maximum of light and avoid maximum of street noice. We also do not want to put security bars so security of the windows is of concern. Both openings have metal lentils.
I considered to put four windows in pairs (one casement window and three matching picture windows). And I though to get hurricane windows for security. What do you think? Or should I go with pairs of ubiquitous double hung windows?
mmfarland: I wanted to get hurricane windows and expected to have outer glass thicker then inner. This would make it more sound proof. I also heard that wooden window better isolate sound but way more expansive.
wyckoff: I though about metal bars and casement windows which open inside. I am not sure that I should put bars there since it will eliminate the way of egress. Hopefully hurricane windows will be strong enough. Also double hung windows known to be easy to break in.
Rest of the house has double hung windows. Do you think it will make basement windows to stick out? Is there any software I can use to put picture of the window on the photo of my house so I can imagine how it will look like? I tried photo shop with very limited success.
thanks everybody.
Hi, Where did you get sound reduction windows? We have a similar situation re: basement windows, and we’re having trouble even getting someone to give us an estimate.
the choice is partly aesthetics. If the rest of the house is double hung, casement may look weird. You can have 2 fixed/casement panels stacked on top of each other to look like double hung. Fixed will definitely give you better sound reduction and energy efficiency. You should also consider sound-reduction glass in the panels (one pane is thicker than the other). We’ve just installed those and man are they QUIET. We also considered the hurricane option for first floor windows, but in the end stuck with bars so we don’t have to worry about leaving windows open. Obviously bars won’t work so well with casements, but you could use them with hoppers.
Lentil is the bean, lintel is the window/door header. The ironwork on the basement windows was original in Brownstones, fwiw.