Basement window replacement

Atskodinski

Have a basement window with a broken latch so it won't lock shut. Not to mention it's extremely drafty. All rusty metal frame likely from orig. construction of house. Trying to figure out my options and how to tackle this. Current window opening is 32x14 on top of a 2 sloped concrete blocks. I figure I can get the old out easy enough with a sawzall and some chiseling. Issue is getting a new one back in. The top of the sloped block is maybe an inch thick so I imagine I can't set a new vinyl window on top of that and the 14 " opening is too small to build a frame.

I'm wondering if my best option is to remove the two sloped blocks which would make my opening 32x20. I could then have room to build a frame-or at least attach a sill at the bottom and then get a window for that opening. Not sure how feasible this is or if anyone has any good ideas. Open to all suggestions at this point.

See picture.

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Ron6519

Remove the sash and leave the frame in place and use it for a stop for the new window. Sort of like a replacement window in a double hung frame.
I'd square of the slope to give the window a stable place to sit.
Ron

Atskodinski

Ok- so it will be the stop on the inside? Anything needed on the outside? And basically you're saying chisel a flat section on the slope for the new to sit or remove the slope altogether?

I'm a bit over my head on this one but determined to learn what I need to get it done.

Ron6519

You would fill in the slope so all the walls were square to the window. You would get a window that was 1/4-3/8" smaller then the rough opening.
Ron

JulesB

I like Ron's idea.
Go to HD or Lowes and check out the basement slider windows they have in stock. Hopefully, one will be close to the same size. A little framing may be in order. Considerably cheaper if you don't have to special order though.

Another idea..... If you don't require it to open, consider installing glass blocks. Either mortared in or preferably use the plastic framing and spacers offered with the glass blocks. With those dimensions, you just might be able to fit a row of 6x8's above a row of 8x8's. You'll still have to deal with the slope though.

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Atskodinski

Can you explain further the idea of filling in the slope of the window to be square? To me, that seems to mean using a board on either the inside or outside and using a concrete patching mix to bring it all up level. Am I even close on this?

JulesB

Not sure, but by the pic, removing the slope is probably out. Either too much work, or based on the grass in the pic, would be too low? or both.

I suppose there are several ways to fill it in. My first thought is to secure a board to the inside wall, below the window, level with the high point of the slope. Then fill. What kind of concrete, how to prep, etc. is for someone wiser than myself.

If going with Rons suggestion, a store bought slider may be too deep. If so, that may work in your favor. You could trim the whole window out with the proper depth of wood, thus having a place for the window to sit at the bottom, and be secured on the sides.

Good luck with it!

__________________
You can't fix stupid.....

Ron6519

The slope is on the inside of the house.
Basement windows are 3"-3 1/2" thick and will fit in the current opening, depth wise.
To deal with the slope:
Clean the paint off the surface.
Drill in about 6-8 screws or rods to hold the concrete.
Apply a primer for the adhesion of the 2 parts.
Screw a board to the wall to act as a form.
Mix the concrete.
Fill the form.
Smooth the top so it's level and flat.
Take the form off after a few hours.
If there are voids in the front, mix up a mortar mix and fill it in.
You're done.
Ron

jomama45

If it were mine, I'd destroy the current window & frame, along with the half course & wash below it. Install new 32" by 18-20" vinyl window with new mortar wash under it. Install new taller window well as necessary.

I put larger 24" tall windows in my basement a few years ago and would never trade them off, they allow far more light than 14-16" tall window.

Atskodinski

When you're talking about new wash after removing the two blocks, does this just mean a thin layer of mortar to cover the exposed block holes?

If I went this route, I'd plan to build a wood frame and buy window to secure inside. I would have to dig new, deeper well.

My concern with Ron's idea is the current opening is roughly a half inch too small height wise an inch too wide length wise for your standard 32x15 vinyl. So unless I want to order custom, which I don't, I would have to chisel off part of the top of the slope to make the opening big enough for the window, which would require the frame to come out. I should point out the slope is on both the outside AND inside of the window. Not sure if that changes anyone's suggestions.

All this just keeps leading me to wonder if knocking out those two blocks and building frame to fit window would be easier and better in long run.

Thanks for the help