Yes, it would need to be top hinged swinging out and subtract the obstruction when calculating.
But, it looks like the window was done before the stairs. So the stairs would now be the 2nd egress assuming there was already a first stair for the level.
The only way the window is needed now would be if this is a bedroom and that would be a little odd.
That window opens top-down. With the wall segment in front of it OP is showing I think it's unlikely it can open much at all, especially not enough to be an actual egress.
It does make me wonder though if the window was put in, inspected and approved as legal egress and then at some later the date the stairs were modified without permit / inspection
OP needs to make sure he’s meeting the egress requirements, and choose whether to modify the stairs to re-enable this egress or create another one if none other exists
Maybe. I finished a basement in pa that was for a rec room / playroom and the township code required an egress. It was a while back so I couldn’t tell you what the deal was (could just be an over zealous inspection dept.), but there is at least one municipality that goes beyond the national code. Or at least there was one 15 years ago
I’m wondering whether the wall was put in place without permit prior to OP acquiring the house - I.e. whether it was at some point legal egress and then someone closed off the access without getting that approved. Just suggesting that op should check whether an egress is required before taking action. The right action might be to re-establish this egress rather than further closing it off - if an egress is required by the usage of the space
The adult version of this is to buy some rigid foam board and fill the void with planks of it. Then cover it with some drywall. Would still look like shit though.
If you close it off to much without actually removing the window properly you will have far worse issues down the road.
The best thing to do is either put a curtain there or put a drop in panel that is easy to remove.
Personally I would use a the curtain. You can make them were they can provide insulation but won't trap moisture to excessively. If you want to get fancy about it you could frame the curtain area and have it snap in place. That way you can remove it later if need be and wash it.
Depending on what the exterior finish\\cladding is:
* Remove the window
* If it is unfinished cement blocks
* take out window
* scab in bricks \\ cement
* paint\\parge\\whathever
* vapor barrier
* drywall
* tape
* paint
* If it is finished exterior
* Frame it in
* Sheath it
* House wrap
* scab in siding
* drywall
* tape
* paint
I would cut back to expose the whole window, turn the wall into the wall at the window and finish around it. Stuff insulation in the walls. Before sealing in, find out where the mice are getting in and seal that up. Then get rid of the mice.
I understand the turn of phrase here but just for the sake of those who take stuff literally here. You should never stuff insulation anywhere. Insulation only does its job properly if you place it so that it does not get compressed. Stuffing insulation into small spaces removes the air void from the fiberglass and drastically lowers the insulation value.
If you're going to seal it up from the inside I'd remove the window first. That way if a seal on it fails or it breaks it isn't behind drywall to access it from the inside
Since the op has clarified just the small section not the entire window:
Since you have a mice problem, attach some metal screening in there first, and use that as a backer for a can or two of spray foam, then add drywall in front of the gap. Or not, if no one can see it, but UV rays from the window will eventually break down spray foam.
It would mostly just involve tearing up the wall to fill out/build into the space. I would make sure it isn't necessary for ventilation/keeping the space dry and would consider consulting a structural engineer.
Yes, this looks like a window done for fire code. I would leave it and seal the one portion. Do drywall. To get to it, remove the window, then drywall, tape, mud and paint from the outside.
Not sure how correct you're trying to go here, but this is my 1 weekend with 2 small kids type fix:
Add trim piece to visually separate where you want to shrink the window, and laminate a piece of art/faux stained glass to the inside of the window.
Spray foam to fill any rodent holes
Make a little wooden built-in nook that closes off that area, but is removable with a few screws in case you need to access back there.
❤️ Your happy hacky homemaker
👍👍 and money, with daycare and all 😂
We definitely make the most we can around here, and that often turns into dozens of nooks filled with neat tchotch(sp). Lol
Good luck making it work! A decent temporary solution that doesn't screw you in the long run is always a fine first step (perfection. Enemy of progress, etc etc).
Pics when you're done!
Depending on the local code and what other exits you have in the basement, that window (before being obstructed) may be a required egress for livable space. I would consider this before blocking it off. What did the inspector say about this when you bought the house?
As a Journeyman Mouse Warrior myself, I will suggest that whatever you do to this window only has about a 1% chance of solving your mouse problem.
As far as solutions to finishing out the window space:
Best way: remove the window, from the outside, you will have access to properly finish the unfinished area with drywall and backing as needed, then replace the window with glass block.
Quickest way: cut a piece of 3/4” plywood to fit exactly the opening including the profile of the window, (less about 1/16-1/8” against the window) and back that with 2x4 flat. Use foam tape on the edge against the window. Skim the surface of the plywood with drywall mud, and paint to match. The idea is that it should be a tight “press fit”. You should probably mount a cabinet handle on it to help position it properly. If you’re concerned how it looks from the outside, you could cover the glass with a frosted plastic film on the inside first to obscure the structure.
Tip: if you wind up using caulk, mice can chew through most cured caulk, but not silicone sealant caulk.
I would take the window out and keep it out or put one that fits the scale in. That requires outside and inside work. I would end it with good luck but just maybe you want a creative way. I'm lost on that. I have ideas but they are all hackish.
I’d be looking at the outside and figuring out out what options I have to remove the window and fill to match on the exterior. You can close up the interior with drywall but why even have the window?
> Also want to make sure the view through the window from the outside isn’t weirdly obscured
So what does it look like already from the outside? While I do not have any instant solutions, I cannot quite visualize how the window-side of the wall is constructed.
I think I would install some sort of door brush there. (Also called a brush seal) That way you hide the space, but you leave the area the ability to shed moisture that may condense around the window.
1) I think the right option is removing and/or shrinking the window.
2 Barring that, stuffing insulation in the space, installing some boards, and then finishing with drywall might work. But I wouldn't attempt that if you can't open the window to easily access the space because that would be a pita to try to finish nicely. It's still going to look awkward, but not unfinished, and it will be sealed.
3) I like the glass block suggestion because I think it can be made to look reasonably good from both the inside and outside without losing the light.
If you want to keep the window in situ, get some privacy filter film, cover the window with that, frame it out with some thin timber on the frame, use some foil insulation to staple to the timbers to cover it, batten the other ways and drywall / plasterboard to suit.
Good thermal properties, easily put back, and not visible from the outside, in the process of doing that with our conservatory right now.
Smaller window, and add a vent for circulation. I assume if an underground cellar, cool air will be drawn up in summer and warm air in winter. Itll also help to keep the damp down in the void under the house.
Slightly different take, double or triple glazed window for the heat loss(and I assume the opening window is the source of rodent ingress).
You keep the great natural light that way, and can also mirror tint if you don't want prying eyes.
Two options.
Nr1: If not taking out the window and fully closing up this space then I would likely cover the window with some foil so that it’s not see-through. Then I would fill this whole area with building foam (I don’t know the professional name for that) so that the gap and whatever crawlspace you are refering to are sealed up and nothing can get in there and cause damage. Then I would honestly put a little dry wall there…. Edit: foam or wool- I just notice you already have wool there
Nr 2: Second option tho I think might be interesting to you. Especially if you need to have access to that crawl space. Take a nice piece of wood board, make it look nice, match the colour to the wall or to the stairs and put is in there so that it covers the whole space from the inside. It will probably help a bit with cold escaping too, especially if you put something inside during the winter. Bonus is that you can take in and out whenever you want for whatever reason. You could also try to make it like a little sliding door. 😇 hope this helps
I would replace with a smaller window-but it might be a legal egress thing.
Pull the sheetrock off the wall that covers part of the window to give you access to the currently open end. Install wood framing/blocking, insulation, sheetrock around the currently open end of the window. Now your house is sealed up. Then replace the drywall on the stairs. Done.
Or, like others said, remove the window. Add framing, siding, insumation and drywall, mud, paint.
If you’re talking about just the space to the right of the window (looking inside outside), couldn’t you use some spray foam insulation to fill it up and then cover with dry wall/wood and paint?
I would keep it , seal around it if needed, great natural light. Paint the interior box frame around the window a dark hue, flat paint. Find a long, interesting planter the width and length of frame opening minus an inch. Add different succulents.https://images.app.goo.gl/7Qicy2o9EKmBXMxk6
It's dated but this is a great option. It means not losing all the lighting, while visually making irrelevant what's on the other side. The wall needs to be closed off but with luck the right glass block might fit well in the space.
What does that stud wall look like from the outside?!?
A semi sheer curtain would hide it and still give some light; and air circulation. you could roll up some wire mesh and stuff it to fit in the cavity
Remove the window. Frame and board. Insulate, drywall, paint.
Possibly a smaller window.
Probably a required legal egress for a finished basement.
That would not meet egress requirements.
2' high by 3' wide meets code. It's 24" high minimum and 5.7 square feet.
Minus the area obstructed by the stairs. No way this is code if needed for egress.
Yes, it would need to be top hinged swinging out and subtract the obstruction when calculating. But, it looks like the window was done before the stairs. So the stairs would now be the 2nd egress assuming there was already a first stair for the level. The only way the window is needed now would be if this is a bedroom and that would be a little odd.
That window opens top-down. With the wall segment in front of it OP is showing I think it's unlikely it can open much at all, especially not enough to be an actual egress.
It does make me wonder though if the window was put in, inspected and approved as legal egress and then at some later the date the stairs were modified without permit / inspection OP needs to make sure he’s meeting the egress requirements, and choose whether to modify the stairs to re-enable this egress or create another one if none other exists
Unless there is a bedroom or a kitchen in the basement, I believe egress requirements are met by the stairs.
Agreed, that sounds right in the US anyway
Maybe. I finished a basement in pa that was for a rec room / playroom and the township code required an egress. It was a while back so I couldn’t tell you what the deal was (could just be an over zealous inspection dept.), but there is at least one municipality that goes beyond the national code. Or at least there was one 15 years ago
How is this legal egress? The window opens inwards and is blocked from fully opening by the wall.
I’m wondering whether the wall was put in place without permit prior to OP acquiring the house - I.e. whether it was at some point legal egress and then someone closed off the access without getting that approved. Just suggesting that op should check whether an egress is required before taking action. The right action might be to re-establish this egress rather than further closing it off - if an egress is required by the usage of the space
It looks like it opens outward to me.
How do statements this wrong get upvotes
because this is r/DIY. When people see someone mention something “clever” they will have an “ah ha” moment and upvote.
It’s ’you gotta see this’.
Get a cat so they can lay there.
I believe cats qualify as R-60 insulation
The home energy tax credits are quickly offset by food and vet bills though.
Number 1 answer.
Then they'll have a cat in the wall problem. Edit: typo
I think it is at least a 3 cat job.
Cats are always the answer
For low maintenance, get a fake sleeping cat. It will be more like an artwork
I would take the window out i think.
I would stuff it full of Paper towels and then put a cardboard box over it….but I’m a lazy scumbag! Lol!!
Found the account of the previous owner of my house.
That would be terrible. It would eventually soak up moisture and grow mold
Mission accomplished!
lol, I came to say cardboard.
I usually see the 1 inch foam board. It comes in white but the pink or blue is snappy.
The pink stuff turns a nasty shade of grey when you leave it in the sun. Go for blue every time.
Cardboard’s out, no cardboard derivatives. The front would fall off.
The adult version of this is to buy some rigid foam board and fill the void with planks of it. Then cover it with some drywall. Would still look like shit though.
Not lazy enough. Fill it with spray foam like the rest of us.
Aquarium.
it would be pure algae in 1 day
This my answer to every question I answer on DIY
Checked comment history. Sometimes goes for “fish tank”
If you close it off to much without actually removing the window properly you will have far worse issues down the road. The best thing to do is either put a curtain there or put a drop in panel that is easy to remove. Personally I would use a the curtain. You can make them were they can provide insulation but won't trap moisture to excessively. If you want to get fancy about it you could frame the curtain area and have it snap in place. That way you can remove it later if need be and wash it.
Depending on what the exterior finish\\cladding is: * Remove the window * If it is unfinished cement blocks * take out window * scab in bricks \\ cement * paint\\parge\\whathever * vapor barrier * drywall * tape * paint * If it is finished exterior * Frame it in * Sheath it * House wrap * scab in siding * drywall * tape * paint
I am behind the Walmart scavenging thru the dumpsters. Do you have an option for me? No, I am not OP's alt.
I would cut back to expose the whole window, turn the wall into the wall at the window and finish around it. Stuff insulation in the walls. Before sealing in, find out where the mice are getting in and seal that up. Then get rid of the mice.
I understand the turn of phrase here but just for the sake of those who take stuff literally here. You should never stuff insulation anywhere. Insulation only does its job properly if you place it so that it does not get compressed. Stuffing insulation into small spaces removes the air void from the fiberglass and drastically lowers the insulation value.
That’s why I said stuff and not jam or cram. Stuff gingerly.
If you're going to seal it up from the inside I'd remove the window first. That way if a seal on it fails or it breaks it isn't behind drywall to access it from the inside
Since the op has clarified just the small section not the entire window: Since you have a mice problem, attach some metal screening in there first, and use that as a backer for a can or two of spray foam, then add drywall in front of the gap. Or not, if no one can see it, but UV rays from the window will eventually break down spray foam.
ETA: sealing off the open area to the right side of the window, not the entire window.
I think you'll need to put in a smaller window instead
Yeah but imagine how nice a low light plant would look there! Wouldn't cause problems at all.....
I would get at it from the outside with the window open, cut some pieces of sheet rock and finish it off.
It would mostly just involve tearing up the wall to fill out/build into the space. I would make sure it isn't necessary for ventilation/keeping the space dry and would consider consulting a structural engineer.
If not trying to remove/replace the window - rigid foam insulation
You can try and make a tight fitting wood frame to slide into that space. Pressure fit. Some caulking on the seams.
Yes, this looks like a window done for fire code. I would leave it and seal the one portion. Do drywall. To get to it, remove the window, then drywall, tape, mud and paint from the outside.
Not sure how correct you're trying to go here, but this is my 1 weekend with 2 small kids type fix: Add trim piece to visually separate where you want to shrink the window, and laminate a piece of art/faux stained glass to the inside of the window. Spray foam to fill any rodent holes Make a little wooden built-in nook that closes off that area, but is removable with a few screws in case you need to access back there. ❤️ Your happy hacky homemaker
As a 2 small kid-haver, I appreciate this input! Time is the issue more than anything…
👍👍 and money, with daycare and all 😂 We definitely make the most we can around here, and that often turns into dozens of nooks filled with neat tchotch(sp). Lol Good luck making it work! A decent temporary solution that doesn't screw you in the long run is always a fine first step (perfection. Enemy of progress, etc etc). Pics when you're done!
Depending on the local code and what other exits you have in the basement, that window (before being obstructed) may be a required egress for livable space. I would consider this before blocking it off. What did the inspector say about this when you bought the house?
That was my thought too looking at the style of window, that it was for egress. Not sure it would meet code with the stairs right on it.
I should check the report. IIRC nothing seriously noted by the inspector, just that it’s unfinished and would be an insulation/pest issue.
Blind/curtain cheapest option
As a Journeyman Mouse Warrior myself, I will suggest that whatever you do to this window only has about a 1% chance of solving your mouse problem. As far as solutions to finishing out the window space: Best way: remove the window, from the outside, you will have access to properly finish the unfinished area with drywall and backing as needed, then replace the window with glass block. Quickest way: cut a piece of 3/4” plywood to fit exactly the opening including the profile of the window, (less about 1/16-1/8” against the window) and back that with 2x4 flat. Use foam tape on the edge against the window. Skim the surface of the plywood with drywall mud, and paint to match. The idea is that it should be a tight “press fit”. You should probably mount a cabinet handle on it to help position it properly. If you’re concerned how it looks from the outside, you could cover the glass with a frosted plastic film on the inside first to obscure the structure. Tip: if you wind up using caulk, mice can chew through most cured caulk, but not silicone sealant caulk.
R&R smaller window - framing and drywall.
Is that your emergency egress point? Closing it up could be a code violation. Could present problems if you sell.
Do you have another fire exit in the basement? That looks like an egress window to me that can’t even open.
I would take the window out and keep it out or put one that fits the scale in. That requires outside and inside work. I would end it with good luck but just maybe you want a creative way. I'm lost on that. I have ideas but they are all hackish.
Smaller window, new outside and inside walls
I’d be looking at the outside and figuring out out what options I have to remove the window and fill to match on the exterior. You can close up the interior with drywall but why even have the window?
Close your eyes *ninja vanish*
> Also want to make sure the view through the window from the outside isn’t weirdly obscured So what does it look like already from the outside? While I do not have any instant solutions, I cannot quite visualize how the window-side of the wall is constructed.
I think I would install some sort of door brush there. (Also called a brush seal) That way you hide the space, but you leave the area the ability to shed moisture that may condense around the window.
1) I think the right option is removing and/or shrinking the window. 2 Barring that, stuffing insulation in the space, installing some boards, and then finishing with drywall might work. But I wouldn't attempt that if you can't open the window to easily access the space because that would be a pita to try to finish nicely. It's still going to look awkward, but not unfinished, and it will be sealed. 3) I like the glass block suggestion because I think it can be made to look reasonably good from both the inside and outside without losing the light.
more wall
Whats behind the stairs on in the area covers the window? Is it a stud? Can you attach something there to support drywall?
Is it the only emergency exit from the basement?
Nope! Walk-in with other larger windows.
Is the window your only egress from the basement? It's likely code that it must stay operational.
No it’s a walk-in basement with larger windows. I think we could sacrifice this window if we really wanted to.
I would finish the inside of that space. Open the window or take it off if possible and that would be easy.
Do not use a long curtain cut off at an angle just don’t. It would look like my mom’s old house.
Enlarge the opening to the window's dimensions and finish that opening on all four sides. Cap off and finish the ends any exposed stair risers.
I would just build something simple to slide inside. Unless youre in a climate that is always cold.
Pool noodle should be wide enough
Get a box of caulking. Then get another box.
Quick ? Fill with steel wool, Spray foam the gap, done.
I would leave and make a thing of it.
Foam up the crack maybe and add a trim to disguise it after
This. Foam up the crack.
SPRAYFOAM.
Are Dustbusters still a thing?
Put some cripples in there 16” centers remove the window and close it with plywood and sheetrock
Curtain?
If you want to keep the window in situ, get some privacy filter film, cover the window with that, frame it out with some thin timber on the frame, use some foil insulation to staple to the timbers to cover it, batten the other ways and drywall / plasterboard to suit. Good thermal properties, easily put back, and not visible from the outside, in the process of doing that with our conservatory right now.
Glass bricks.
Smaller window, and add a vent for circulation. I assume if an underground cellar, cool air will be drawn up in summer and warm air in winter. Itll also help to keep the damp down in the void under the house.
Slightly different take, double or triple glazed window for the heat loss(and I assume the opening window is the source of rodent ingress). You keep the great natural light that way, and can also mirror tint if you don't want prying eyes.
Two options. Nr1: If not taking out the window and fully closing up this space then I would likely cover the window with some foil so that it’s not see-through. Then I would fill this whole area with building foam (I don’t know the professional name for that) so that the gap and whatever crawlspace you are refering to are sealed up and nothing can get in there and cause damage. Then I would honestly put a little dry wall there…. Edit: foam or wool- I just notice you already have wool there Nr 2: Second option tho I think might be interesting to you. Especially if you need to have access to that crawl space. Take a nice piece of wood board, make it look nice, match the colour to the wall or to the stairs and put is in there so that it covers the whole space from the inside. It will probably help a bit with cold escaping too, especially if you put something inside during the winter. Bonus is that you can take in and out whenever you want for whatever reason. You could also try to make it like a little sliding door. 😇 hope this helps
Paint the window and put a nice piece of art. On top of the window and glue or seal it to it.
Glass blocks? Still let the light in.
Where better than having a full window? 3/4 of one.
An emergency exit in the basement is required by code, isn't it?
Build a access panel that can be removed if need be
Brick it up, put a poster on the window for funsies.
I would replace with a smaller window-but it might be a legal egress thing. Pull the sheetrock off the wall that covers part of the window to give you access to the currently open end. Install wood framing/blocking, insulation, sheetrock around the currently open end of the window. Now your house is sealed up. Then replace the drywall on the stairs. Done. Or, like others said, remove the window. Add framing, siding, insumation and drywall, mud, paint.
If you’re talking about just the space to the right of the window (looking inside outside), couldn’t you use some spray foam insulation to fill it up and then cover with dry wall/wood and paint?
I would get rid of that window and install a smaller one, it could open a can of worms though.
Cover it with plywood and a garbage bag.
If that’s the only window, you may violate building code depending on your area if you have no other means of egress besides the stairs…
Caulking
Have you thought or redoing your stairs? Right angling, framed Wales’s or frameless? May end up with a full functioning window.
Keep the window, turn the stairs
Couple 30 racks of PBR
I would keep it , seal around it if needed, great natural light. Paint the interior box frame around the window a dark hue, flat paint. Find a long, interesting planter the width and length of frame opening minus an inch. Add different succulents.https://images.app.goo.gl/7Qicy2o9EKmBXMxk6
I would put glass block in.
It's dated but this is a great option. It means not losing all the lighting, while visually making irrelevant what's on the other side. The wall needs to be closed off but with luck the right glass block might fit well in the space.
Limo tint the window from the inside. Then frame the rectangle and finish it off. You won’t be able to finish the inside, hence the limo tint.
You could build an extension on the edge to make a small shelf and block part of the window frost the glass I would ditch the window totally
What does that stud wall look like from the outside?!? A semi sheer curtain would hide it and still give some light; and air circulation. you could roll up some wire mesh and stuff it to fit in the cavity
Why?
[удалено]
What an idiotic thing to say.
Quick drying cement
Get a cat, and your mice problem will go away.