Many homes have basements with traditional windows that can be opened to let in light and air. In general, these types of windows are a good idea for a below-ground area of your home, as light can keep the rooms from getting musty or stale, and air will add occasional freshness as well as relieve excess heat, cold, or moisture.
However, problems associated with conventional basement windows can affect the entire house. For example, ground-level insects like ants, beetles, or termites may become attracted to wooden casings or open windows and decide to move in, creating significant damage in doing so by gnawing on wooden frames or invading the rest of the house. Basement windows that are left open at night or for prolonged periods of time may draw small rodents and wildlife in a quest for warmth and food. These creatures may attempt to enter the basement by chewing through a screen or purshing through deteriorating casings. Human pests may decide to take advantage of lower-level windows and break in when the family is away or snoozing, by breaking glass and slipping through the opening to make their way through the house.
These are some of the reasons for considering block windows in your basement. While some block windows comprise thick wedges of glass with no opening, other types have a small, one-sided vent-type opening that you can use to admit a few inches of outside air or light when you need to freshen the basement area.
The down side to installing block windows is safety in terms of escape. If family members sleep in the basement or kids spend hours playing there, in the event of a catastrophic event, such as an explosion or a fire, block windows do not have openings that are large enough to let someone escape the house via that route. The glass is so thick that breaking it may be difficult if not impossible. You'll need to balance security with safety issues in thinking about this remodeling possibility.
If you decide to make the change or build them into your new home, get several estimates before engaging a contractor. Prices can vary dramatically, from below a hundred dollars per window to more than two hundred dollars each. Ask about guarantees or warranties that come with the product, and the potential for damage or breakage.
Installation is prompt and fairly simple. When the windows are available (if they have been ordered, for example), the contractor can usually do all the windows in one day, unless you have a multi-window basement, which would be unusual. To prepare for the installation, remove furniture and stored items away from the windows and cover the floor with a drop cloth, which will facilitate clean-up when the job is completed.
After they have been installed, check to be sure they appear firmly and neatly set. Also check the handle, if you got windows with vents, to be sure it works properly.
Then enjoy! Your new windows should provide a sense of security and freedom with minimal maintenance for the future.
