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Basement windows - more important than often thought

Basement windows are not necessarily at the forefront of building planning. Nevertheless, they also fulfil important tasks.

Basement windows in residential buildings are often concealed in light wells below ground level. There they form numerous weak points: in terms of building security, but also with regard to the indoor climate and protection against moisture and water ingress. We show solutions.

Käuferle - Germany's leading manufacturer of garage doors, enclosures and windows

Value inside.

We are a family business based in Aichach near Augsburg. This is where we develop and produce garage doors, enclosures and partition wall systems, as well as PVC-U and aluminium windows and front doors. Like all our products, our PVC-U basement windows also comply with the rules of technology and craftsmanship - always with the aim of providing the best possible protection for your assets.

Sustainability, well thought-out craftsmanship

For our PVC-U basement windows, we use high-quality window frames, fittings and glass from suppliers in southern Germany. In this way, we promote the regional economy and reduce our CO2 footprint thanks to the short transport routes. At the same time, we create durable and sustainable products.

Customised production

Basement windows from Käuferle are made to measure according to customer specifications and individual installation situations. This results in window solutions that are just as suitable for new buildings as for the renovation of existing buildings. Added to this are our comprehensive services. Talk to us or your specialist partners: We will be happy to assist you with planning and tendering.

Basics of basement windows

Buying basement windows - what to look out for in principle

When buying basement windows, there is one important factor to consider: the type of room utilisation. Is the basement actually used as an unheated cellar, storage or utility room? Or will the rooms, which may be only half underground, be used as a party or hobby room or even for living? If the latter is the case, basement windows with thermal insulation glazing should definitely be on the shopping list. This is the only way to effectively prevent moisture damage.

The right material for basement windows: plastic, metal or wood?

The cheapest solution for cellars is steel cellar windows, which are available to buy at any DIY store at a reasonable price, including rodent protection grilles. However, these are only suitable for subordinate rooms due to their poor aesthetic, structural and acoustic qualities. If basement rooms are used for residential purposes, PVC-U windows offer the best value for money. They are easy to clean and robust and can be easily customised. Aluminium basement windows have similar properties, but are considerably more expensive, while wooden windows are not recommended due to the moisture that is often present on the outside.

Replacing or renewing basement windows in old buildings

Old steel basement windows without special thermal insulation requirements can be easily replaced and renewed by yourself. If you want to use basement rooms for residential purposes in the future - for example after buying a house - it is advisable to professionally install high-quality PVC windows. These windows should close tightly to prevent heat loss.

PVC-U basement windows - in white, anthracite and many other colours

PVC-U windows with tilt and turn function are usually made of solid-coloured white PVC. However, they are also available in countless other colours by means of foiling - in anthracite or grey, for example. Basement window frames in anthracite are particularly popular for basements that are partially above ground and whose windows should therefore match the design of the rest of the house.

Basement windows - light, air and security

Concrete or plastic light wells in front of basement windows

Light wells offer a good way of providing rooms in the basement with light and air, particularly in the case of basement windows that are below ground level. Concrete and prefabricated plastic parts are the most suitable materials. Plastic light wells offer the most convenient solution: they are lightweight, robust, available in a wide range of sizes and easy to handle. If they are made of white plastic, they also ensure a high light yield in the cellar rooms.

Burglary protection on basement windows - with grilles or steel grating

To protect against burglars, above-ground basement windows and windows in the area of basement exits can be secured with customised grilles made of stainless steel or hot-dip galvanised steel, for example. Effective protection for windows in light wells is provided by steel gratings that rest on the upper edge of the light well and are firmly anchored downwards using chains or tie rods to prevent unauthorised removal.

Rodent screens protect cellars from curious rodents

Similar to simple steel basement windows, high-quality PVC-U basement windows can also be fitted with fixed rodent screens on the outside. Alternatively, insect screens made of fine-meshed, rodent-proof stainless steel or aluminium mesh are often used. Such mesh can also be easily retrofitted to the underside of steel grating covers of light wells.

Keep basement windows open or closed in summer?

Basement windows should remain closed when the outside temperature is high in summer - even if it seems sensible at first glance to use the warm air to dry the basement rooms. Because the exact opposite happens: Warm air condenses on cold surfaces and can cause moisture damage. In summer, it is therefore better to ventilate in the cooler evening and morning hours. It is therefore best to open all basement windows at the same time and ensure a draught.

Waterproof and flood-resistant basement windows

Flood protection with basement windows

Heavy rainfall and flooding events are constantly increasing, which raises the question of how securely basement windows protect against water ingress. Basement windows are considered watertight if no water ingress can be detected within 24 hours when water levels are tested. They are flood-resistant if they allow less than 240 litres of water to penetrate within 24 hours. Waterproof basement windows require special seals both for the opening sashes and for the wall and should therefore always be installed by specialised companies.

Retrofitting watertight basement windows

It is not always necessary to replace intact, non-waterproof basement windows with waterproof windows. It is often much easier and cheaper to protect basement windows from flooding by retrofitting bulkheads on the outside. Covers such as transparent acrylic bulkheads are attached to the frame from the outside and sealed watertight. However, all types of retrofitted bulkheads should have opening hatches to ensure adequate ventilation of the basement rooms despite the covered windows.

Sealing cellar windows from the inside

Waterproof windows or flood protection measures are not always necessary. If it is only a matter of stopping rainwater from occasionally entering via a light well, it is sufficient to seal the basement windows from the inside. This can also prevent warm air from entering in summer, which condenses on cold surfaces and causes moisture damage. Suitable sealants include rubber sealing tapes or adhesive sealing tapes.

Frequently asked questions about basement windows

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about basement windows:

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