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Basement Window Replacement

Basement window replacement and enlargement

Old basement windows in Louisville homes are often small, drafty, rusted or painted shut. Sometimes a straight swap is all you need. If you are finishing the basement or adding a bedroom, the opening may need to be enlarged to meet egress rules. Describe your windows and get a free written estimate.

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Covered under basement window replacement

  • Replacing old steel or wood basement windows
  • Swapping hopper windows for new energy-efficient units
  • Enlarging an opening to egress size
  • Glass block removal and replacement
  • Sealing and flashing to stop leaks
  • Interior trim and finishing

Replace, or enlarge to egress?

If the basement is storage or a utility space, replacing a worn-out window with a new unit of the same size may be enough. If someone sleeps down there, or the basement is being finished into living space, the building code usually calls for an emergency escape opening. Most small basement windows are too small for that, so the opening has to be cut larger and a window well added.

Not sure which applies? Read when you need an egress window.

Signs a basement window needs attention

  • Rusted steel frames or rotted wood
  • Single-pane glass, drafts or condensation
  • Water stains or leaks below the window after rain
  • Windows that won’t open, or are painted or nailed shut
  • A basement bedroom with no window big enough to climb out of

Basement Window Replacement in Louisville, KY

Available across Louisville, with requests from St. Matthews, Middletown, Jeffersontown, Prospect, Anchorage, Lyndon, Okolona, Fern Creek, Highview, Shively welcome. See areas served.

Frequently asked questions

Can a regular basement window count as egress?

Only if it is large enough, opens wide enough and the sill is low enough to meet the code. Most standard hopper-style basement windows are too small, which is why enlarging the opening is common.

Do I need a permit to replace a basement window?

A same-size swap often doesn’t, but enlarging the opening in a foundation wall usually does. Read egress window permits in Louisville and check with the permit office.

Related reading

When Do You Need an Egress Window? Basement Bedrooms and Code BasicsA plain-English look at when a basement needs an egress window, what makes a window count as an emergency exit, and when a small window is fine.Egress Window Permits in Louisville and Jefferson CountyA general overview of when cutting in or enlarging a basement window needs a permit in Louisville Metro and nearby Jefferson County cities.

Other services

Egress Window InstallationEgress Window WellsEgress Window Repair