Installing Basement Windows With a Fieldstone Foundation

For those self-installers
Post Reply
Message
Author
MSmithVRW
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri May 10, 2013 3:50 pm

Installing Basement Windows With a Fieldstone Foundation

#1 Post by MSmithVRW »

Hey folks,

I've got a 1910 home with a fieldstone foundation here in Massachusetts, that's in need of new basement windows. I'll be going with vinyl hopper windows. A couple of questions on installing them.

1) There is currently a wood frame around the windows that's rotted out and needs to be removed. When I install the new windows, do I need to put a new wood frame around them? I know it's not necessary for concrete, but for fieldstone?

2) Being fieldstone, would I still screw the window (or the wood frame) into the foundation? Or can I just shim them, spray foam them, and concrete them in place?

3) Should I order windows that are the exact size of what they are now, or is it best to go 1/4" smaller, just in case?

Thanks

User avatar
Windows on Washington
Posts: 4850
Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:21 pm
Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
Contact:

Re: Installing Basement Windows With a Fieldstone Foundation

#2 Post by Windows on Washington »

1. I would make a new buck frame out of PVC/composite lumber. Glue and screw it (lightly) to the foundation.

2. I would glue it and attach some screws although the construction adhesive will be doing the bulk of the heavy lifting.

3. Order it with the standard amount of cut back recommended (1/4" to give yourself room to shim and square it up.

MSmithVRW
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri May 10, 2013 3:50 pm

Re: Installing Basement Windows With a Fieldstone Foundation

#3 Post by MSmithVRW »

Thanks for the reply! Regarding the frame, two quick questions:

1) What is the reason that you would add the frame, rather than just attaching the window directly?

2) You mentioned PVC/Composite lumber. The only type I've seen of that is decking. Is that what you were referring to?

Thanks again! Much appreciated!

User avatar
Windows on Washington
Posts: 4850
Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:21 pm
Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
Contact:

Re: Installing Basement Windows With a Fieldstone Foundation

#4 Post by Windows on Washington »

1. Better attachment and better base to screw into
2. No. Azek or Similar PVC/composite 1x4 material (available at HD or Lowes).

MSmithVRW
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri May 10, 2013 3:50 pm

Re: Installing Basement Windows With a Fieldstone Foundation

#5 Post by MSmithVRW »

Great, thanks again!

User avatar
HomeSealed
Posts: 2749
Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2010 6:14 pm
Location: Milwaukee, Madison, Northern IL
Contact:

Re: Installing Basement Windows With a Fieldstone Foundation

#6 Post by HomeSealed »

+1. Either method can probably get the job done, but the direct set my get dicey with the fieldstone. My first choice in that case would be the route recommended by Windows on Washington.

User avatar
Windows on Washington
Posts: 4850
Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:21 pm
Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
Contact:

Re: Installing Basement Windows With a Fieldstone Foundation

#7 Post by Windows on Washington »

HomeSealed wrote:+1. Either method can probably get the job done, but the direct set my get dicey with the fieldstone. My first choice in that case would be the route recommended by Windows on Washington.

You do eh...?

Image

fridge2020
Posts: 135
Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2012 8:20 pm

Re: Installing Basement Windows With a Fieldstone Foundation

#8 Post by fridge2020 »

I like setting it directly in block for the extra glass space, but the buck frame is not a bad idea with fieldstone. Could be a mess either way.

TheWindowNerd
Posts: 1893
Joined: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:52 pm
Location: SE PA & NJ; CT
Contact:

Re: Installing Basement Windows With a Fieldstone Foundation

#9 Post by TheWindowNerd »

Depending on the structural stability of the RO you may need to use PT or Mahogany for the buck.
2 x8 or 2 x10 PT would be nice and supportive, careful to use stainless steel fasteners.

theWindowNerd...

User avatar
Delaware Mike
Posts: 947
Joined: Mon Jan 30, 2006 1:32 pm
Location: Delaware, New Jersey, Philadephia Area

Re: Installing Basement Windows With a Fieldstone Foundation

#10 Post by Delaware Mike »

Watch out for the spiders and snakes and wear your knee pads for the exterior work. After a full day's of working with basement hoppers my knees feel like Jake Taylor's from the movie Major League.

Post Reply