What Is a Basement Hopper Window?
A basement hopper window is a horizontal window with a panel or sash that pivots inward to allow ventilation. Often the hinge on a hopper window is on the bottom of the sash, allowing the top of the window to open, but you may find models that can install with the hinge at the top, allowing the bottom of the sash to swing inward. A pivoting handle on the edge opposite the hinge allows you to operate and secure the window. Look for hopper windows with removeable screens that let you enjoy breezes and natural light while keeping insects out of your home.
Uses for Basement Hopper Windows
Basement hopper windows can provide natural light and ventilation in tight spaces or in rooms without much wall space. As the term basement hopper window implies, you’ll typically see them in a basement. A slim, rectangular shape allows these windows to fit at the top of an interior basement wall and, on the home exterior, rest just above ground level.
You may also see hopper windows at the top of a wall in a bathroom or laundry room, where they can create good airflow and allow excess moisture to exit the home.
Basement Hopper Window Benefits
The shape of hopper windows allows them to work in rooms where there isn’t enough wall space for a standard single- or double-hung window. A hopper window allows natural light and ventilation into these spaces, improving comfort and air quality. The tilting sash can also provide some protection to minimize the rain, dirt and dust that can enter the room when the window is open.
What Is the Difference Between a Slider and Hopper Basement Window?
Hopper windows and slider or sliding windows are common in basements. However, there are several key differences between these two popular basement window types.
- Hopper windows open along their full width so the entire window can allow ventilation. The window sash will extend into your living space, typically opening at the top. These windows are often high enough on a wall, however, that an inward sash doesn’t usually create an obstruction.
- Sliding windows open when you slide a movable or operably sash sideways. This operation doesn’t extend the panel into your living space, but only half of the window can open and the sash doesn’t provide any protection from the weather. Sliding windows are often available in a wide selection of sizes.
Awning windows are another common basement window type. They open along their full width like hopper windows, but rather than opening inward at the top, an awning window opens outward at the bottom, pivoting on a hinge at the top of the window. This has the benefit of providing better protection from rain than both hopper and sliding windows.
What Is the Standard Size of a Basement Hopper Window?
If your basement doesn’t have a large exterior wall, the horizontal orientation of hopper windows is ideal. A width of 31 inches is fairly standard for a basement hopper window and typical heights range from around 13 inches to just under 23 inches, letting you find a window that fits your exterior wall. If you’re replacing hopper windows, the size of your new windows will depend on the size of your rough window openings.
Other standard basement window sizes vary widely by the size and configuration of the basement and the basement window type. Standard single-hung or double-hung windows or even a picture window can work in a basement with a full exterior wall, giving you many size options.
Choosing Hopper Windows
Whether you’re looking for a low-profile basement window type that will fit your exterior basement wall and still improve light and ventilation or you want windows for tight spaces in your home, hopper windows might be the answer. Talk with a Lowe’s associate to find the best basement windows for your home. And as you shop, keep in mind that we can install your windows and help you improve the natural light and airflow for any space in your home.