“When you’re looking at the exterior or even interior of a home, chances are you’re not going to be immediately drawn to the basement windows. However, the fact that they’re not always a showstopping feature should not lessen their importance and the various purposes they serve,” said Scott Cline, owner of J&B Construction.
New basement windows not only maximize the amount of natural light the lower level receives, but they also enhance a home’s overall energy efficiency, increase ventilation, and improve security. “Moreover, they can add to any home’s aesthetics, as they are available in a range of styles, such as slider, casement, awning, and glass blocks,” Scott said.
Long gone are the days when basements were confined to dark, damp, and dingy spaces used for either storage or laundry. Modern basements are fully finished living spaces that can serve as an extra living room, bedroom, theater room, man cave, full kitchen and bar, or anything else that suits a homeowner’s needs and preferences. “Regardless of the space’s function, a key element involved in ensuring a lower level feels like a welcoming space is the presence of natural light,” said Scott. “Although lighting fixtures are also important to incorporate into this space, nothing compares to the warmth and comfort of natural sunlight. Therefore, basement windows, when strategically placed, will help ensure that the lower level is filled with plenty of sunlight throughout the day to keep the space bright and airy. The goal is to create a livable area that looks and feels like an extension of the other livable spaces in your home.”
New basement windows will also increase a home’s overall energy efficiency, as they will help prevent cool air from leaking in the summer and warm air from escaping during the winter. “You will also notice it won’t take long for your energy bills to decrease after installing new basement windows. Additionally, your basement will maintain a more consistent indoor air temperature, which will further enhance the comfort and inviting feel of the space,” he said.
Proper ventilation is also important in a basement, especially if it’s used for projects that require the use of chemicals that could produce hazardous fumes. “If your basement windows are old and failing, they’re likely burdensome or even impossible to open,” said Scott. “Installing new windows will allow you to easily and fully ventilate the lower level so you can safely work on projects.”
Another advantage to installing new basement windows is they provide much-needed security for a home and family. In fact, egress windows are a required component of habitable areas in finished basements, such as bedrooms, according to the International Code Council.
Basement windows come in different styles in order to complement various types of basement layouts. “For instance, slider windows, which are comparable to double-hung windows, are common in most basements, as they’re best suited for spaces that offer more width than height since they open horizontally rather than vertically,” Scott said.
Casement windows are another popular basement window option to consider. Hinged on one side, they open outwards on the opposite side, offering ample ventilation. “If you have plenty of vertical space to work with in your basement, casement windows are the perfect choice,” said Scott. “That is why they’re frequently used in daylight basements or basements with one or more areas that are aboveground.”
Hinged at the top, awning windows open outwards at the bottom in honor of their namesake. This is particularly useful if there is a desire to increase airflow during a rainstorm, as awning windows work well to keep moisture out of the home.
Glass blocks can also be used as a basement window. “What’s unique about glass blocks is they are immovable, so they’re incredibly secure. They work best when coupled with one of the other window types mentioned for ventilation purposes,” Scott said. “They also offer exceptional privacy as they’re difficult to see through, yet still allow plenty of light to shine through.”
The importance of basement windows should not be overlooked or underestimated. “Not only can they help create a comfortable and inviting lower level, but they also protect your family in the event of an emergency,” said Scott. “What’s more, they come in an array of styles to help you supplement your home’s specific aesthetics.”
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