Metal basement window frame?
Bri asked:
I am replacing an old metal basement window with a vinyl one and I am running into a few confusing problems. 1st, the opening is only 13×31 and the smallest window I have found available is 14×32. The old window has a metal frame, but I cannot see any way for the frame to be removed. There are no screws holding it in, and it appears to be one piece. Will I have to try and cut this metal frame out with a saw? I am hoping that the new opening will accommodate the new window, but I am not sure. I am not worried about having to replace with an egress window since there is a walk-out slider near the window.
I am replacing an old metal basement window with a vinyl one and I am running into a few confusing problems. 1st, the opening is only 13×31 and the smallest window I have found available is 14×32. The old window has a metal frame, but I cannot see any way for the frame to be removed. There are no screws holding it in, and it appears to be one piece. Will I have to try and cut this metal frame out with a saw? I am hoping that the new opening will accommodate the new window, but I am not sure. I am not worried about having to replace with an egress window since there is a walk-out slider near the window.
Originally, I was going to build a frame for the inside of the basement around the opening an simply set the window against the frame and secure it using the fins on a new construction window.
Now I am thinking that a replacement window set into a (hopefully) larger space from the outside is the better option. Any advice anyone?
Laurinda
Tags: Basement Window, Egress Window, Window Frame
February 18th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Stephani
If your basement walls are concrete block, the old basement window was probably installed with concrete at the edges. To remove it, simply take a sledge hammer ( I’m serious) and bang the old metal frame out of the concrete. You will then need to saw a larger opening for the larger new window and concrete it in – or use a different method to seal it – and install your new basement window.
February 20th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Armida
often the window frame is fitted into a groove in the end of the blocks and then mortar is used. chip out the mortar, but you still might have to cut the metal frame, just go at it and see.
You can order vinyl windows any size you need them, so I wouldn’t go to the trouble and expense of cutting out the concrete just to fit an off the shelf window size.