914Driver
914Driver MegaDork
6/29/17 8:53 a.m.

My goal this summer was to replace all of the basement windows in my house. The opening is 32 X 20 inches, the foundation is field stone faced with cement. It's about two feet thick.

The windows are rotted wood and single pane glass, I replaced that with plastic double pane framed in with PVC 1X6s.

The ones I've done until now were finished with cement between the fieldstone and 1X6, the last one I did has a gap of about 3/4" with a rock pressing up against the boards occasionally. Problem is, I can't get cement in such a small irregular gap. I made a thick batch and tried pushing it in with my fingers but just made a mess. Mrs. 914 suggested caulk, but 6" deep?

Thoughts?

My thought is to sell this frikkin' museum and move to Sante Fe but SWMBO-Financial Advisor isn't going for it.

Thanks, Dan

APEowner
APEowner Reader
6/29/17 9:27 a.m.

Caulk with backer rod

EvanB
EvanB UltimaDork
6/29/17 9:56 a.m.

I saw a video for installing glass block windows where the installer mixed the cement and put it in a bag with the corner cut out. Then it was squeezed into the gap like using a pastry bag. I haven't replaced any of my basement windows yet but I need to and it seemed like a good way to do it.

Edit:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/M7aj8mYDSgc

Grizz
Grizz UltraDork
6/29/17 10:01 a.m.

We use something like this for when we bust holes for linesets and stuff in block walls.

Works well.

I say something because without it being in front of me I can't remember what the hell it actually is.

Ian F
Ian F MegaDork
6/29/17 10:02 a.m.

Great Stuff for windows and door frames.

dculberson
dculberson PowerDork
6/29/17 10:11 a.m.

In reply to EvanB:

Man, they make that look easy don't they!

I had glass block windows put in the basement of my first house, and that's how the pros that did it installed them. They call it a masonry grout bag. They're cheap.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Marshalltown-Blu-Tip-12-in-x-24-in-Grout-Bag-GB690-HD/100318167

EvanB
EvanB UltimaDork
6/29/17 10:37 a.m.

In reply to dculberson:

Good to know, I'll eventually need to do something about the old single-pane windows that I have now.

Robbie
Robbie UberDork
6/29/17 10:56 a.m.

If your windows currently are supposed to be able to open check codes before replacing with glass block!

WilD
WilD Dork
6/29/17 3:51 p.m.

In reply to Robbie:

Yeah, I've heard it's technically against code to replace those with the blocks. My neighbors both did it anyway. I need to do it as well...

EvanB
EvanB UltimaDork
6/29/17 4:08 p.m.

I have a walkout basement so I believe that satisfies the ingress/egress requirements (don't know for sure). I don't think the OP is using glass block.

The0retical
The0retical SuperDork
6/29/17 4:17 p.m.

In reply to EvanB:

That's pretty sweet. I wonder if code is for venting or egress around me. The recommended videos have little vent windows built into them.

Robbie
Robbie UberDork
6/29/17 4:36 p.m.

It's no problem to break code untill you try to sell the house.

You'll need to log in to post.

Our Preferred Partners
0vEJcG7RajMow16FhBdDKahflqtUGovmjA6o7B2n6I2Aa6kEmgbJrHHYGOokSpCb