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Basement windows -- glass block vs. awning

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Basement windows -- glass block vs. awning jacy 07-23-2008
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Posted by on July 23, 2008, 1:02 am


Have seven old wood windows to replace in my basement. They're roughly
33"w x 20"h. I'm not a big fan of the look of glass block but do
appreciate the security they provide in our urban environment, as well
as their energy efficiency. However, the only way I'd even consider
glass blocks is with good-sized vent windows so there goes some of the
efficiency.

I really want the ability to open the basement windows easily -- we
spend most of our time down here and enjoy fresh air-- so I thought
awning (casements mounted horizontally) windows might be a good
compromise. They would't be as easy to forcibly enter as sliders
(horizontal double-hungs) -- or am I kidding myself?

There's also the matter of privacy. I could do without window
treatments with occluded glass blocks; have to do something to cover
the awnings, especially since I'm on a corner.

So I'm looking for opinions on the pros and cons of good quality
awning-style vinyl windows vs. glass blocks with large vent openings.

TIA,
~JMA

Posted by RicodJour on July 23, 2008, 1:19 am


On Jul 23, 1:02=A0am, j...@gmail.com wrote:
> Have seven old wood windows to replace in my basement. They're roughly
> 33"w x 20"h. I'm not a big fan of the look of glass block but do
> appreciate the security they provide in our urban environment, as well
> as their energy efficiency. However, the only way I'd even consider
> glass blocks is with good-sized vent windows so there goes some of the
> efficiency.
>
> I really want the ability to open the basement windows easily -- we
> spend most of our time down here and enjoy fresh air-- so I thought
> awning (casements mounted horizontally) windows might be a good
> compromise. They would't be as easy to forcibly enter as sliders
> (horizontal double-hungs) -- or am I kidding myself?
>
> There's also the matter of privacy. I could do without window
> treatments with occluded glass blocks; have to do something to cover
> the awnings, especially since I'm on a corner.
>
> So I'm looking for opinions on the pros and cons of good quality
> awning-style vinyl windows vs. glass blocks with large vent openings.

Hopper windows with frosted film on the glass would be about the best
choice in your situation.

R

Posted by on July 23, 2008, 8:41 pm


Thanks for the replies.

On Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:19:16 -0700 (PDT), RicodJour
>Hopper windows with frosted film on the glass would be about the best
>choice in your situation.

Hadn't thought of those and they're certainly similar enough
functionally yet more economical than awnings. Do they stay put at the
desired opening width? From photos it seems they're either shut or
fully open -- no in-between.

Hoppers look like a good option so it'll probably come down to how
much I want to spend on the greater aesthetic appeal -- in my eyes,
anyway -- of awnings.

~JMA

Posted by Stephen King on July 23, 2008, 6:32 am



> Have seven old wood windows to replace in my basement. They're roughly
> 33"w x 20"h. I'm not a big fan of the look of glass block but do
> appreciate the security they provide in our urban environment, as well
> as their energy efficiency. However, the only way I'd even consider
> glass blocks is with good-sized vent windows so there goes some of the
> efficiency.
>
> I really want the ability to open the basement windows easily -- we
> spend most of our time down here and enjoy fresh air-- so I thought
> awning (casements mounted horizontally) windows might be a good
> compromise. They would't be as easy to forcibly enter as sliders
> (horizontal double-hungs) -- or am I kidding myself?
>
> There's also the matter of privacy. I could do without window
> treatments with occluded glass blocks; have to do something to cover
> the awnings, especially since I'm on a corner.
>
> So I'm looking for opinions on the pros and cons of good quality
> awning-style vinyl windows vs. glass blocks with large vent openings.
>
> TIA,
> ~JMA
>

Just get glass block.
While you're at it, put glass block on all your main house windows,too.

Posted by SteveB on July 23, 2008, 7:38 am


jacy@gmail.com wrote:

> Have seven old wood windows to replace in my basement. They're roughly
> 33"w x 20"h. I'm not a big fan of the look of glass block but do
> appreciate the security they provide in our urban environment, as well
> as their energy efficiency. However, the only way I'd even consider
> glass blocks is with good-sized vent windows so there goes some of the
> efficiency.
>
> I really want the ability to open the basement windows easily -- we
> spend most of our time down here and enjoy fresh air-- so I thought
> awning (casements mounted horizontally) windows might be a good
> compromise. They would't be as easy to forcibly enter as sliders
> (horizontal double-hungs) -- or am I kidding myself?
>
> There's also the matter of privacy. I could do without window
> treatments with occluded glass blocks; have to do something to cover
> the awnings, especially since I'm on a corner.
>
> So I'm looking for opinions on the pros and cons of good quality
> awning-style vinyl windows vs. glass blocks with large vent openings.

Local code may not allow you to use glass block. You might be required
to use windows that open to provide for emergency access. Check with
your permitting office before you decide what to do.

--
Steve Bell
New Life Home Improvement
Arlington, TX

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