How to Replace Basement Window Frames
Your basement windows, like any other windows in the house, need a frame to cover the joint between the window casing and the surrounding wall. Because of their proximity to the ground, with snow and rain splash-back, wood basement frames can rot and corrode faster than most other house trim. However, basement windows are usually small and replacing them requires a simple mitered trim. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Tape measure
- Pressure-treated and painted wood trim, same width as old trim
- Miter saw
- Trim nails
- Caulk
Instructions
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1
Pry off the existing trim from around the basement window, using a pry bar and hammer. Leave the windows in place.
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2
Measure across the upper horizontal span of the window opening, from corner to corner. Mark out the measurement on a piece of trim, putting two marks along the part of the trim that will run along the edge of the window opening. Leave at least 6 inches of space outside each of the two marks on the trim, to allow for the angled cuts.
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3
Set the trim on a miter saw, face up, with the top edge of the trim facing the saw fence (the rail that runs along the back of the platform). Set it so one of the marks is under the blade.
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4
Turn the blade to 45 degrees inward, so it points toward the main part of the trim. Cut.
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5
Move the trim so the second mark is under the blade. Turn the blade to 45 degrees in the opposite direction as it was, so it's again pointing inward. Make the cut.
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6
Hold the trim along the top of the basement window, with the lower edge of the trim even with the edge of the casing and the angled ends rising off the corners. Nail it in place with trim nails and your hammer, putting nails every 8 or 10 inches along the top and bottom edges of the trim.
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7
Repeat for the other three sides, cutting the trim for each of them with 45-degree angles off each end. Nail them in with the angled cuts butting against each other to form the corners.
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8
Run caulk around the trim where it meets the wall and where it meets the window casing.
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References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
