Building Codes, Glass Block Windows.

[Butch627]

My basement walls are cinder block 8 inches thick with a facade to make them look like limestone. My property is on a slope and the basement has a walk out door to ground level. I have 2 windows in it with a rough opening approx 37x39 inches with a 8 inch header on top of them. The windows are horrible 1960's awning that leak air badly and look awful. I was just given a pallet of glass block windows, of varying sizes and they are all just over 3 inches thick. I would like to get rid of the existing windows and seal them up with the glass block.

What are the building codes for basement windows, can i completely close them up with the glass block? Since my wall is 8 inches thick could I use 2 rows of the glass blocks to better seal it up? FWIW I get no light at all through the current windows, there is a deck above them. I am in Lake County if that matters

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I'm not sure, but I think your windows may have to allow for egress, but with a walk-out door, maybe not? I know when my nextdoor neighbors re-did their basement to make it a living space, they had to actually add a large window and dig out around it to allow for egress. It wasn't a walk-out basement though.

 

[Dirtebiker]

I believe you only have to have egress in bedrooms.

 

[Dirtebiker]

I believe you only have to have egress in bedrooms.
use the glass block, but one thickness is plenty. Surely you get some light through?

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I believe you only have to have egress in bedrooms.

Ah, I think you're right. Makes sense.

 

[dirtfarmerz]

Don't set your blocks two rows deep because you will not be able to clean between them. The windows are weaker than the glass blocks and you have an existing header above the windows.

 

[Ricnzak]

Is there more than one room in the basement? If so, it would be a problem if one of the rooms is considered a bedroom. Other than that you should be okay.

 

[dudley0]

As long as not a bedroom you can do that. Do you ever see a reason to have air movement down there tho?

I am working on a new place that has four openings in the basement. One is in the garage, one will be in a mechanical room. No legal bedrooms so size doesn't matter. I opted for windows that could open. Hope that whoever buys the place has the same thoughts.

Also, as far as I know, you can change windows in existing areas without changing sizes unless you are remodeling and making a bedroom. I think minimum size is 20x24 so your opening would fit as egress, but there are rules for distance from finished floor too.

 

[Butch627]

I should have mentioned that the basement is unfinished storage/shop space. The basement is totally dry, no need for any ventilation. I was mostly concerned about legal egress through the windows.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

I should have mentioned that the basement is unfinished storage/shop space. The basement is totally dry, no need for any ventilation. I was mostly concerned about legal egress through the windows.

Butch, are you planning on putting bedrooms in your basement?

I have those very same glass block windows. They are fantastic! Solid choice.