rusting basement window frame problem or not?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

I'm not sure of the terminology, but what I think I have is a rusting steel frame set in concrete when the house was built mid 1980s. The window itself is a single pane of glass. I want to replace it with an up-to-date double gazed vinyl window that is easier to open and close and doesn't sweat so much. I had two different window people say two different things.

The first one said he would somehow get the rusting frame out and replace it without harming the drywall around it. I asked how. He said with his "years of experience." He is a one-man operation.

Next I had a large company come in and say they wouldn't dream of touching the rusting frame because it was set in the concrete. Furthermore, there was no way to get it out without damaging the drywall. He didn't directly answer my question about whether or not the rust was a concern, but planned to cover part of it with vinyl trim to make the new window fit the awkward space. That sounds like a good plan. I'm not concerned about the look, just whether or not the rust is going to become a problem as it grows.

Would very much like to hear opinions on these options.

Attaching photos. The first is from the outside. The next two are from the inside.

Featured Answer

PRO

HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Ideally you'd get rid of the steel, but practically speaking where time costs money, I'd agree with WoW and 3onthetree.... You might find a sucker that thinks it will come out easy and charge accordingly. Just be glad that you only have one if that's the case because he probably wouldn't show up to do the rest.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

millworkman
3 years ago
They can be removed. The first guy you had had the right idea, they have been changed out successfully thousands of times. It will continue to rust, and sweat and defeat the purpose of putting the new window in.
juniperg92 thanked millworkman
juniperg92
Original Author
3 years ago
millworkman, won't they have to cut the concrete? And won't they ruin the drywall? That's what guy #2 said.
Related Professionals
Tulsa General Contractors · Newport News General Contractors · Burlington General Contractors · Olympia General Contractors · Gary Home Remodeling · Terre Haute Interior Designers & Decorators · Anniston Interior Designers & Decorators · Augusta Interior Designers & Decorators · Louisville General Contractors · Columbus General Contractors · Muskegon General Contractors · Missoula General Contractors · Aurora Interior Designers & Decorators · Marinette Interior Designers & Decorators · Juneau Cabinets & Cabinetry
PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
3 years ago
What @millworkman said is to go with the 1st guy's suggestion. That frame will quickly come out and a new window with its own frame will go right in. I can't even count how many old basement windows like this we replaced.
juniperg92 thanked GN Builders L.L.C
millworkman
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
" won't they have to cut the concrete "

No, they cut out the existing frame at worst. They may have to chisel some concrete that ran into the opening to square it up however.

" And won't they ruin the drywall? "

Not if they are careful. It may need a little spackle touch up and new L-bead at the window frame depending on conditions but the drywall should be mostly intact and fine.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
3 years ago
I'd jump/buck frame the window. Don't mess with the steel.
3onthetree
3 years ago
The window frame is a steel "buck" that is integral with the concrete, where tabs and a shape that allows the concrete to flow "into the inside of the steel frame shape." If luck was on your side, the frame is flat and tabs non-existent, you could make one cut to the frame and pry up the perimeter. I would suggest buying a lotto ticket if removal is that easy. I see the drywall is overlapping the edges, so I don't see how someone could work to cut or get leverage to pry without harming the drywall.

That is why there are companies that retrofit a vinyl window into an existing metal buck.

I don't see anything beyond surface rust, which is not a problem.
juniperg92 thanked 3onthetree
PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
3 years ago
Some metal frames are held in place with just exterior parging against the side of the block and frame fins.

If the window frame is embedded in concrete, use an angle grinder with a metal blade you cut that frame right out, In most cases all you need is a few cuts through the frame and you pry out the rest, if not cut the whole frame out including the wood frame and put a new window to opening size.
worthy
3 years ago
Half a dozen ways to skin a cat--or replace a basement window.
3onthetree
3 years ago
The type of buck you see here, stamped steel with eased edges, is the style you would choose for poured concrete, not CMU. A buck in CMU is easily removed, as is the CMU.
juniperg92 thanked 3onthetree