Natural light in a basement is a priceless commodity. Home builders of old recognized this and integrated hopper windows in basements. They were normally the size of four standard cement blocks (16” X 32”).
Grand Rapids remodeling has found these windows were steel framed and mortared in place. Unfortunately, they also can let in cold air and unwanted guests. Pre-made glass block windows can be installed to retain the valuable natural light and be a beautiful safe solution to the non efficient hoppers.
A good look at the existing window will tell you if you can use a standard 16” X 32”pre-made glass block unit. Measure the length and height of a cement block nearby your project window. The dimensions of a standard cement block have not changed for many years; they are commonly 7 3/4” high 15 3/4” long. The blocks were made this size to accommodate a ½” bed of mortar to make the total measurement 8” X 16”. Now determine how many blocks the window has displaced. If the opening is 2 blocks high by 2 blocks long or 16” X 32,” you’re in business.
A 16” X 32” pre-made glass block unit can be purchased at the home improvement center of your choice. Buying a pre-made unit not only saves time and the headache of building one from scratch but also are made square and flush at the factory. Other things to remember at the home improvement center are:
• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Cold chisel
• Pry bar
• Reciprocating saw with metal blade or hacksaw
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Step ladder
• of batt insulation
• Vacuum
• Hand saw
• Plastic sheeting
This home improvement can be done by one person but an extra pair of hands will make this project much easier and is strongly suggested.
To prepare your work area, cut a piece of plastic to fit under the window opening to save vacuuming up a mess. Consider using more plastic to make a barrier to keep mortar chips and dust in a confined area in the basement. Remove the old hopper window sash from the inside. The flat metal arms that the sash hangs on should have an enlarged opening to push the post on the sash up and out. Do the same on the other side and remove the old window away from work area. Now determine the best space (inside, outside) to cold chisel the mortar away from the steel frame. This can be hard work and may require big swings with a hammer, along with a pair of safety glasses. Try chiseling at the bottom of the opening right in the middle. Start near the metal and work your way underneath. Your goal is to make an opening under the metal frame for your pry bar to lift up. Once you have the bottom of the frame lifted up, use the reciprocating saw or hack saw to cut the frame.
Grand Rapids remodeling has found it is very important the frame is cut all the way through as the steel frame looses its structural integrity. Now resume prying up the bottom sections and the sides should start to come out towards the center, then the top. With your gloves on grab the frame and twist it out. The opening will now need to be chiseled out to receive the 16” X 32” glass block unit. Measure carefully. If there is concern about a high spot that will give you trouble, now is the time to smooth it out.
