How to Install Basement Glass Block Windows

Basement windows can let in light and brighten up an otherwise dark, drab area. When you can see what you are doing, you can make better use of the space in the basement.Glass block windows allow plenty of light to come in, while also looking very attractive, both on the inside and the outside. Even frosted glass block windows will still let sufficient light in, while keeping anyone from being able to see inside the basement.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape, pencil/pen, and paper
• Concrete saw or other power saw
• Glass block window kits (see Tips for more information)
• Caulking
• Building paper or other material needed for installation

Instructions

1. Decide how large you want your windows to be and measure the space where the window(s) will be installed. (See Tips for more information).

2. Using the proper power saw for the building material from which your basement walls were constructed, cut the opening(s) for the new window(s) from inside the basement. (See Tips for more information.)

3. Smooth the rough edges of the opening(s) with whatever tool(s) you need to use, depending on the type building material you are working with.

4. Remove the window kit(s) from the packaging and perform any necessary assembly, following the instructions provided with the kit(s). (See Tips for additional information)

5. From the outside of the house, set the window into the opening. Caulk between the areas where the fastening hardware will be installed and where the parts of the window that will overlap onto the outside wall.

6. Fasten one corner of the window, using the supplied mounting hardware, to hold it steady in the opening.

7. Check to see if the window is sitting level in the opening, and make any adjustments necessary. Then fasten the corner opposite to the one you fastened in Step 6.

8. Install any housing strips (may also be called flashing strips) and other building material (such as building paper) necessary for the mounting hardware and finishing strips, according to the instructions supplied with the kit(s).

9. Finish installing and fastening the window according to the instructions supplied with the kit(s).

10. Caulk around the outside edges of the window, once it has been completely installed.

11. Repeat Steps 5-10 to install other windows.

Tips & Warnings

• Glass block window kits can be purchased, and contain everything, including frame and mounting hardware. All you do is make the opening, and install the kit.

• If your basement walls are made of cinder blocks, it will be easy to visualize the space where the window(s) will be, and how large you want them. You will still have to measure, but you can use the indentations around the sides and top of each block as guides.

• If you will need a different type of power saw for the outside of the house, go ahead and allow the power saw you are using on the inside to make small cuts on either side, the top, and the bottom of the outside material. In this way, you will know where to cut the opening on the outside of the house.

• Go ahead and assemble all parts and pieces for all the windows you will be installing. You will then be able to install all windows one after the other, and will not have to stop to assemble, then install, then stop to assemble, then install several times.

• Go ahead and cut as many openings as you will need at one time. Doing this will allow you to clean up any debris left from sawing and removing building materials. Then, you will have a cleaner area in which to work.

• All power saws are loud, but concrete saws are especially so. It is imperative that you wear proper ear protection. In addition, you will need to wear proper eye protection and hand protection.

• You will need to check and see if any building permits are required for window installation before beginning the project. The building inspections department in your city or county can tell you this, and issue the proper permits.

• Take care if you are working over your head. Use only a regulation stepladder to stand on. Do not stand on overturned buckets, ordinary household chairs, or other unsuitable objects.