We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Basement Window?

By D. Monda Dill
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 45,127
Share

Whether designing a new home, remodeling, or simply installing replacement basement windows, the choice of windows is usually between three different types. These are hopper windows, slider windows and awning windows. Window wells and window bubbles are specialized options that may be used in conjunction with most basement windows.

Hopper windows are basic, standard basement windows. This type of basement window hinges to the bottom of the window frame, and opens by tilting inward from the top. For this reason, the window screen on a hopper window is typically installed on the outside of the window frame. This is the least expensive type of basement window, but usually offers the widest range of options in sizes.

Slider windows, as their name suggests, are designed to open and close by sliding from side to side. Also referred to as glider or sliding windows, they are well-suited for larger windows as well as for situations where there is limited room into which the window can swing. The screen on a slider basement window may be either on the inside or on the outside of the window frame. Slider windows are often more affordable than the awning basement windows.

Awning windows are, in many cases, the most expensive of all basement windows. They also boast a more contemporary style, and offer more design features than hopper or slider basement windows. This type of basement window is popular in bathrooms and in coastal areas.

Awning windows are hinged to the top of the window frame, and open by swinging from the bottom out, much like a fabric awning. Since this window tilts outward at an angle, it can be opened for ventilation even in the rain or snow. The window screen is usually installed on the inside of the window frame.

A window well is a structure that extends outward from a basement window. It fulfills both practical and aesthetic purposes. It can serve as an emergency escape route that allows for safe exit in the event of an emergency. Window wells are commonly used to comply with building codes requiring that a basement with sleeping quarters or other livable space have an escape window. This type of window also lets natural daylight into the basement.

A window bubble is a dome-shaped, plastic or vinyl cover that is designed to fit over a window well. Also referred to as a window well cover, it helps insulate the window well as well as protect it from dirt, animals, plant debris, and the elements. Window bubbles also help prevent potentially dangerous falls from above.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By lightning88 — On Sep 29, 2010

I am considering remodeling my basement, and I'd like to replace the windows -- right now my basement has vinyl hopper windows, but I think it'd like to change those into egress windows.

How hard is this, and can I do it by myself, or should I hire someone to help me with it?

By FirstViolin — On Sep 29, 2010

I have what may seem like a silly question -- I want to install a basement egress window, but I'm afraid that it's going to get covered up with leaves and debris.

However, is it even possible to put basement window grates over an egress window? For instance, do they have ones that are hinged so that you can still use the basement window as an egress window, but still have a grate on top of it?

Thanks, I'm new to this whole basement window installation thing -- I'd appreciate any input.

By Charlie89 — On Sep 29, 2010

If I want to replace a sliding basement window with a hopper basement window, do I need to increase or replace my basement window well?

Right now they're pretty small, and although I do have basement window well covers over them, I'm afraid that the hopper window will end up hitting the edge of the window well.

Does anybody have any experience with basement window replacement, and what I need to do about my window wells?

Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-basement-window.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.