Have seven old wood windows to replace in my basement. They're roughly
33"w x 20"h. I'm not a big fan of the look of glass block but do appreciate the security they provide in our urban environment, as well as their energy efficiency. However, the only way I'd even consider glass blocks is with good-sized vent windows so there goes some of the efficiency.I really want the ability to open the basement windows easily -- we spend most of our time down here and enjoy fresh air-- so I thought awning (casements mounted horizontally) windows might be a good compromise. They would't be as easy to forcibly enter as sliders (horizontal double-hungs) -- or am I kidding myself?
There's also the matter of privacy. I could do without window treatments with occluded glass blocks; have to do something to cover the awnings, especially since I'm on a corner.
So I'm looking for opinions on the pros and cons of good quality awning-style vinyl windows vs. glass blocks with large vent openings.
TIA, ~JMA