I have done some research but looking for some more guided help in replacing these window casings that are rotting around my basement windows? I’m thinking hack away at the bottom molding and sides, and then measure and replace with new pressure treated pieces? What about sealant to ensure water tightness? Thank you!
Comments
Princess_Moon_Butt t1_je776u4 wrote
Vinyl is the way to go. If you're handy enough to be swapping out the casing, you're handy enough to put in a pre-built windowframe, and I think last time I bought one it was only in the $100 range, which is probably only slightly more than you'd pay for new casing lumber, caulk, and paint, and it'll last much longer.
UseABiggerHammer t1_je66q9m wrote
Figure out why they are rotting and correct that issue first. Usual culprits are either lack of proper drainage or mis-aimed irrigation.
That outer area is entirely cosmetic so it's up to you whether you replace it or just rip it out and deal with what's left. It's the casement part around the actual frame of your window that's critical for sealing. The key to replacing those casements will be matching the dimensions of your window, because it's easy to shim a bigger opening but you can't squish the window into a smaller one. The windows are probably screwed to the wooden casements and sealed with clear or white silicone.
The most durable solution to replace what you have would be composite trim. It usually comes in white by default.
gitsgrl t1_je704cu wrote
It’s wood below grade, it was destined to rot.
AreYouDaveDavidson t1_je6fs1y wrote
Fixed this exact problem last year on my house. Replaced the rotten wood frame around my PCV windows and installed weeping tile and a sump pit outside.
re-run t1_je75fp0 wrote
Wood rots over time anyways, in most locations, even when drainage isn't an issue. So, there might hot actually be anything wrong. Could just be a moist are that has a lot of humidity. It looks like a block foundation, so the house likely has 30+ years, and that is likely an original window.
very_humble t1_je68aem wrote
Pull out all the damaged wood, but more than likely that's going to extend into the frame around the window itself, at which point the easiest thing is going to be replacement windows
Wraithnscathed t1_je60ha1 wrote
You should put blueskin on the framing before installing the window frame
grambell789 t1_je71ad8 wrote
If you want to buy time treat with boat quality epoxy from West marine. It will have to be really really dry for it to work well. I have some garage windows with similar problems and they look great. The surface isn't newish looking but that fine for what I want. Alternative is replace everything with new high performance windows, there is a pretty good tax credit right now for insulation and energy saving upgrades.
[deleted] t1_je698ot wrote
[deleted]
dangerousalone t1_je6l02w wrote
Replace and Blueskin framing, get a PVC window installed... the pit is likely far too shallow and seems small for a window of this size, at least where I am from, good opportunity to add or replace weeping tile.
Outside foundation likely needs waterproof on a house that shows this kind of damage, not that they're necessarily related, but one is usually indicative of another in my experience...
Eavestrough issues could also be causing water buildup this close to the home, clogged downpipes or eaves. If your roof is old or you have trees in the area there is a good chance this needs attention also...
clemclem3 t1_je6v4g0 wrote
Couple of people have already said this but use PVC to rebuild the casing after you remove all of the rotted wood. Part of the problem there is it's too close to the ground. Another problem is concrete wicks moisture. Wood should never touch concrete. PVC with a polyurethane caulk will solve all of these problems
You can also build up one by six PVC. Stack it to make 2x6 stock. You can glue it together with plumbers glue or polyurethane adhesive.
gitsgrl t1_je7029k wrote
Remove the whole thing and mortar in a glass-block window.
fossilnews t1_je7bjj0 wrote
Doesn't that remove an escape path in case of a fire?
gitsgrl t1_je7hipl wrote
A window this size isn’t an egress window to begin with.
fossilnews t1_je8768o wrote
Thanks for the reply. Just wondering.
riskyjbell t1_je77xow wrote
Most of it looks okay. I'd pull the sill and replace with PVC.
Syndicofberyl t1_je628mu wrote
Pull it all. Replace it with a vinyl window. If need be, flash it with aluminum and caulk all of the seams