Doors and Windows - Basement window problem
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momwithtools
08-22-05, 04:51 PM
We have a 48 year old home which we have lived in 6 years now. Our 2 basement windows do not have a track for a window screen to fit in. We want to open up the windows, but there are too many critters that can come in to the house. Other than replacing the windows, (which would cost too much right now), what else can I do? Can I install a track for these two windows that a screen can sit on? The outside of the window is concrete. Thank you for any tips or help anyone can offer.
Boxarocks
08-22-05, 11:32 PM
I have to assume that the windows tilt in or are sliders.
As the window is recessed into the block foundation, that leaves room for the screen to be installed in that space outside the window frame.
Screw a custom made screen frame to either the exterior of the window frame, or to cleats attached to the block.
Varmints will chew through light screening, so a layer of ¼" hardware cloth (heavy screen) will be needed in addition to lightweight screen.
As the window is recessed into the block foundation, that leaves room for the screen to be installed in that space outside the window frame.
Screw a custom made screen frame to either the exterior of the window frame, or to cleats attached to the block.
Varmints will chew through light screening, so a layer of ¼" hardware cloth (heavy screen) will be needed in addition to lightweight screen.
momwithtools
08-23-05, 03:40 AM
I have to assume that the windows tilt in or are sliders.
As the window is recessed into the block foundation, that leaves room for the screen to be installed in that space outside the window frame.
Screw a custom made screen frame to either the exterior of the window frame, or to cleats attached to the block.
Varmints will chew through light screening, so a layer of ¼" hardware cloth (heavy screen) will be needed in addition to lightweight screen.
Yes, the windows do tilt to the inside. The window frame in itself is a hard metal. I looked for areas where I could drill a hole around it, but the concrete literally is the perimeter of the window from the outside. It looks like they poured the concrete down and smoothed it out to encase the window.
I appreciate your idea of putting a 1/4" gauge of hard cloth to prevent the critters from coming in. Never thought about that. I think I will put the wire screen right on the flushed against the exterior concrete wall around the window. What can I use to attach the screen to the concrete wall?
Thanks!
As the window is recessed into the block foundation, that leaves room for the screen to be installed in that space outside the window frame.
Screw a custom made screen frame to either the exterior of the window frame, or to cleats attached to the block.
Varmints will chew through light screening, so a layer of ¼" hardware cloth (heavy screen) will be needed in addition to lightweight screen.
Yes, the windows do tilt to the inside. The window frame in itself is a hard metal. I looked for areas where I could drill a hole around it, but the concrete literally is the perimeter of the window from the outside. It looks like they poured the concrete down and smoothed it out to encase the window.
I appreciate your idea of putting a 1/4" gauge of hard cloth to prevent the critters from coming in. Never thought about that. I think I will put the wire screen right on the flushed against the exterior concrete wall around the window. What can I use to attach the screen to the concrete wall?
Thanks!
Boxarocks
08-24-05, 03:40 AM
Your installation makes the project kinda tough because a hammer drill is normally needed to drill into concrete.
The easiest fasteners to use on concrete and concrete block are Tapcon masonry screws. These masonry fasteners have a shape and threads that enable them to drive readily into concrete. Sold at hardware stores and home centers, they come as a kit that includes a carbide-tipped drill bit. Simply drill a hole and drive the screw into the masonry, much like you would drive a screw into wood.
As an alternative, I might glue a 2X2 wood frame inside the window opening, & screw the screen into it.
Method:
Cut 4 pieces of treated 2X2 that fit the opening quite snugly.
Use the verticals to spread the horizontals into place & put liquid nails on them & let them dry for a couple of days.
The easiest fasteners to use on concrete and concrete block are Tapcon masonry screws. These masonry fasteners have a shape and threads that enable them to drive readily into concrete. Sold at hardware stores and home centers, they come as a kit that includes a carbide-tipped drill bit. Simply drill a hole and drive the screw into the masonry, much like you would drive a screw into wood.
As an alternative, I might glue a 2X2 wood frame inside the window opening, & screw the screen into it.
Method:
Cut 4 pieces of treated 2X2 that fit the opening quite snugly.
Use the verticals to spread the horizontals into place & put liquid nails on them & let them dry for a couple of days.
momwithtools
08-25-05, 05:42 AM
Thanks for the great advice. I will do just that. The wooden exterior frame should be able to able to hold the wire screen and the bug screen. Thanks again for the great advice!