Basement window replacement

[Zack1978]

Hi everyone,
I need to change the basement windows in my grandmothers house and I have some questions. The windows are original wood frame windows that are attached directly to the concrete rough opening (I think). At this point the windows are broken, and the wood frame is rotted. I stopped at Lowes today to look at their selection, and they have nice Pella replacement windows for about $70.00 each.
Now my question....How do I install the windows. Can I attach the window directly into the concrete rough opening, or must I line the opening with wood? I have used the Tapcon screws before, can I just screw the window into the concrete (using shims), and seal it with the window and door foam? Any ideas?


Thanks,
Zack

 

[Walton]

Is there siding currently surrounding the window, or bare concrete?

If you have siding, you'll want to order a window in which the frame extends beyond the siding. I had a cabin built, and the builder put slimline windows in, so they are recessed inside the trim. A real Pain to caulk. It would have been to easy to fir the window out I guess.

 

[-Spike-]

If you're not dealing with siding (I have no experience with siding) then yes, screw the frame into the opening, shimming it square and level. Use a high-grade caulk to seal.

 

[Zack1978]

No siding to deal with at all, it is just concrete on the outside as well. So then there is no need to line the rough opening with wood then? My plan was to place the window into the rough opening, screw it in, and use foam around it?


Is the video link below a good teacher?


How to Replace a Basement Window | Video | Windows | This Old House

 

[-Spike-]

See step 8. Make sure the caulk is dry before you start spraying expanding foam in there, and don't overdo it.

 

[se2000]

I assume you are talking about a standard 32" basement window. And it is vinyl. Your answer depends on the opening space. Some make room for a wood frame, others do not. You would not need to frame a vinyl window as you would want to with a wood one.

 

[agomez]

take some pictures and post them up more than likely you should have some kind of nailer behind the sash that anchors the window to the opening...I would demo one of the windows to see what you have to work with and go from there..

 

[Zack1978]

take some pictures and post them up more than likely you should have some kind of nailer behind the sash that anchors the window to the opening...I would demo one of the windows to see what you have to work with and go from there..

Thanks everyone...Will do with the pics.


Zack

 

[45Kevin]

I like to use vinyl windows with a vinyl frame. Chip away any loose concrete after ripping out the old window and vacuum the opening. Shim the new one in place and use caulk to seal around the outside. Try not to let the shims be exposed on the outside and you can get the whole perimeter caulked at one time. Push the caulk in about an inch. After the caulk has set, put the spray foam (low expansion) from the inside. No need to use mechanical fasteners, and on ancient concret (which it probably is) it's a biatch to get fasteners in it.

Voila, fini.

You can order custom sized vinyl windows very inexpensively form the home centers. Don't get an opener unless you really intend to use it.

 

[Zack1978]

I like to use vinyl windows with a vinyl frame. Chip away any loose concrete after ripping out the old window and vacuum the opening. Shim the new one in place and use caulk to seal around the outside. Try not to let the shims be exposed on the outside and you can get the whole perimeter caulked at one time. Push the caulk in about an inch. After the caulk has set, put the spray foam (low expansion) from the inside. No need to use mechanical fasteners, and on ancient concret (which it probably is) it's a biatch to get fasteners in it.

Voila, fini.

You can order custom sized vinyl windows very inexpensively form the home centers. Don't get an opener unless you really intend to use it.

Wow, that would make the job much better and faster!
The job is going to wait until April or so, when all the snow and ice finally melt.


Zack

 

[Woodsman]

Have you ever considered glass block windows ? They are inexpensive and can be assembled as a panel in the confines of your nice, warm house and then installed whenever you have the opening prepped. They offer privacy as well as security.

 

[Capt. Jim]

Generally not acceptable to have raw wood in contact with concrete or masonry. Wood in contact with such should be pressure treated or isolated with black paper. If not, wood rot will occur.