Basement Egress Window Replacement After Flood Damage in Centerville, Ohio
After water filled the basement window well and broke through the existing glass, Valicor replaced the damaged double-hung window with a new white casement-style window selected to provide the emergency escape opening needed for the basement.
Flooding Destroyed the Existing Basement Window
This Centerville homeowner needed a basement window replaced after a flooding event filled the exterior window well with water.
The pressure eventually broke through the existing glass, allowing water and debris to enter the basement.
This was more than a cosmetic window replacement. The damaged opening needed to be restored, while the replacement also needed to provide the emergency escape functionality required for the basement.
Instead of simply installing another double-hung window, Valicor changed the configuration to a casement-style egress window.
Centerville Egress Window Project at a Glance
The Damage Wasn't Limited to the Window
Once the exterior window well filled with water, the pressure against the window eventually resulted in water and debris entering the room.
The interior condition shows why this project went beyond replacing a broken piece of glass. The damaged window assembly needed to be removed and the opening restored.
At the same time, the replacement provided an opportunity to choose a window configuration better suited to the basement's emergency escape needs.
From Double-Hung to Casement
The exterior comparison shows the change in both the condition and operating style of the basement window.
Original Double-Hung Window
The original window was damaged during the flooding event and needed to be replaced.
New Casement Egress Window
The new white casement restores the opening and provides a larger unobstructed opening when the sash is opened.
Why We Changed From Double-Hung to Casement
The simplest replacement would have been another double-hung window, but matching the old operating style wasn't the main objective of this project.
With a double-hung window, the two sashes share the window opening. Even when one sash is raised, the other sash still occupies part of the opening.
A casement operates differently. The sash opens outward, allowing a larger portion of the window opening to remain unobstructed when fully opened.
That made the casement configuration a better solution for this particular basement egress application.
What Is an Egress Window?
In applicable basement spaces, an emergency escape and rescue opening provides a route out of the basement and an access point for emergency personnel.
Egress Is About the Usable Opening — Not Just the Window Size
A large window is not automatically an appropriate egress opening. The amount of clear space available when the window is opened is an important consideration.
Depending on the property and applicable building code, considerations may include clear-opening dimensions, net clear opening area, sill height and the size and configuration of the exterior window well.
Because conditions vary from home to home, basement openings should be evaluated individually rather than assuming the same window configuration works everywhere.
From Flood Damage to a Finished Basement Opening
The interior comparison shows the difference between the damaged opening and the completed casement-window installation.
After the Flood
Water and debris entered the basement after the exterior flooding damaged the existing window.
New Casement Window
The new window provides a clean interior appearance and the larger usable opening needed for this basement application.
What This Replacement Accomplished
Replaced the Damaged Window
The flood-damaged window was removed and replaced with a new complete window assembly.
Larger Clear Opening
The casement configuration allows more of the opening to remain unobstructed when the window is opened.
Emergency Escape Function
The new configuration was selected around the emergency escape needs of the basement opening.
Clean White Finish
The white frame provides a clean finished appearance from both the interior and exterior.
Easy Operation
Casement operation provides straightforward access to the opening when the window needs to be opened.
Right Window for the Opening
Rather than automatically duplicating the previous window, the replacement style was selected around what this basement opening needed to accomplish.
Restoring the Basement Window Opening
This project required evaluating both the condition of the damaged window and the function needed from its replacement.
Evaluate
The existing opening, damaged window and basement requirements were evaluated before choosing the replacement.
Replace
The damaged double-hung was removed and the new casement-style window installed into the basement opening.
Seal & Finish
The replacement window was secured, sealed and finished before final inspection and cleanup.
Sometimes the Best Replacement Isn't the Same Window Style
This Centerville project demonstrates why a replacement window doesn't always need to duplicate the window that was originally installed.
The old window was a double-hung. The new window is a casement.
Changing the operating style allowed Valicor to provide the functionality needed for this basement opening while restoring the damaged area with a clean finished window.
A New Window Does Not Automatically Correct a Window-Well Drainage Problem
In this project, the existing window was damaged after water accumulated in the window well.
Replacing the damaged window restores the opening, but the underlying reason water collected outside the window should also be evaluated.
Depending on the property, window-well drainage, grading, gutters, downspouts or other water-management conditions may require separate attention.
Planning a Larger Window or Door Project?
This Centerville project involved one problem window, but Valicor also completes multi-window, whole-home, entry-door and patio-door replacement projects.
Financing options are available for qualified homeowners and eligible projects. Terms and eligibility vary.
Explore Financing Options →Explore Your Options
If you're considering several replacement windows or a larger home-improvement project, financing may provide another way to structure the project cost.
Review available options, terms and eligibility before deciding what works best for your project.
View Financing →Planning a Replacement Window Project?
Dayton Window Replacement Guide
Learn about window styles, Low-E glass, installation, energy efficiency and replacement options for Dayton-area homes.
Read the Window Guide →Replacement Window Cost Guide
Review general Dayton-area window pricing and the factors that can affect the installed cost of a replacement project.
View Window Costs →Financing Options
Learn about financing options available to qualified homeowners for eligible window and door projects.
Explore Financing →Replacement Windows for Centerville Homeowners
This basement egress installation is one example of the replacement-window work Valicor completes for homeowners in Centerville and throughout the greater Dayton area.
Whether you have one damaged window, failed glass, an older basement window or you're considering a larger replacement project, we'll help you evaluate the opening and understand your options.
Request a Centerville Window Estimate →Questions About Egress Window Replacement
Why was this Centerville basement window replaced?
Water accumulated in the exterior window well during a flooding event and eventually broke through the existing window, damaging the basement opening.
What type of window was there originally?
The existing basement window was a double-hung window.
What type of replacement window was installed?
Valicor installed a white casement-style window selected to provide the larger clear opening needed for this basement egress application.
Why can a casement work well for basement egress?
Because the sash opens outward, a casement can provide a relatively large unobstructed clear opening compared with some other operating styles of a similar overall size.
What is an egress window?
An egress window serves as an emergency escape and rescue opening. Applicable requirements can involve clear-opening dimensions, opening area, sill height and the surrounding window well.
Can a double-hung window be replaced with a casement?
In many situations, a different operating style can be considered during replacement. The existing opening, dimensions, exterior conditions and requirements for the space should be evaluated before choosing a replacement.
Does replacing the window fix the cause of window-well flooding?
Not necessarily. Replacing the window restores the damaged opening, but the underlying drainage or water-management issue should also be evaluated if water is collecting in the window well.
Can Valicor replace just one basement window?
Yes. A replacement-window project does not have to involve the entire home. Valicor can evaluate individual problem windows as well as larger multi-window projects.
Does Valicor replace windows in Centerville, Ohio?
Yes. Valicor Windows & Doors provides replacement-window installation for homeowners in Centerville and throughout the greater Dayton area.
How do I get an estimate for a basement window?
Contact Valicor Windows & Doors for a free estimate. We'll evaluate the existing opening and discuss replacement options appropriate for the space.
Have a Damaged Basement Window?
Whether you're dealing with a broken basement window, failed glass, an outdated window or an opening that needs an egress solution, Valicor Windows & Doors can help you evaluate your options and provide straightforward project pricing.
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