How to Drywall Basement Window? A Step-By-Step Guide


When it comes to finishing a basement, one of the most important aspects is properly sealing and insulating the space. This includes ensuring that all windows are properly drywalled. While many people think they can simply skip over the basement windows, doing so can lead to several problems.

Can You Drywall Over A Basement Window?

Yes, you can drywall over a basement window. Whether you need to add wall space, block light, conceal damage, or attain privacy, it is possible to completely cover the basement window using drywall sheets. With this approach, you’ll be able to cover a window permanently so that no one will ever know that a window was there. 

Drywalling a basement window similar to Drywall under basement stairs is quite a common practice. Most people do it to attain a perfect drywall finish, as you’ll also cover the gaps around the basement window.

That being said, the main issue with Drywall is that it’s very porous, meaning the moisture will seep through it immediately. Basements are known for being leaky, so you might ruin your entire Drywall. However, you can overcome this issue by using moisture-resistant Drywall, also known as the green board.

Should You Drywall Basement Window?

Even if you can Drywall basement windows to have a smooth finish, use moisture-resistant drywall sheets to ensure you won’t have any humidity problems. Many contractors don’t like doing it. This is because it takes a lot of time and effort. Furthermore, it’s nearly impossible to cover all the leaks properly, and you may end up with some imperfections. 

You also have to invest a lot of money to Drywall the basement window. You have to buy wood boards, plywood, and an additional drywall sheet. On top of that, you need fiberglass insulation as well. You can use other insulations, but ensure they are also moisture-resistant.  

Here’s How To Drywall Basement Window:

Before we give you a step-by-step guide explaining how to drywall a basement window, there are some things you must keep in mind. First of all, always use moisture-resistant drywall panels in your basement. This is because the moisture will make your sheets soft and weak if you use regular Drywall. Moreover, it will also create an ideal spot for mold survival and growth.

In addition, you must determine whether you want to cover up the basement window temporarily or permanently. If you want to cover the window temporarily, using a blanket or cardboard is a better and more economical option. 

Alternatively, if you want to cover up your window permanently, the best approach for you is to remove the window beforehand. You can in-fill it with 2x4s, add some insulation, and side over the holes. With this practice, you won’t have to worry about leaks anymore.

If you don’t want to remove the window, follow this step-by-step guide to Drywall a window to look like part of the wall: 

Step 1:

Move a utility knife along the seams to sever any paint or caulk. Hit the sill’s bottom with a hammer, remove the sill, and trim using the pry bar.

Step 2: 

Use sandpaper to sand the wall. This will help you eliminate any imperfections caused by removing the sill and trim.

Step 3: 

Find out the dimensions of the basement window. Afterward, make a framework of 1×1 boards to cover the inside of the basement window. You can use a hand, miter, or chop saw to cut the board.

Step 4: 

Use plywood to cover the basement window cavity. If you have a 30×16 window, make sure to cut the exact dimensions of the plywood to avoid gaps and leaks. You can use a circular jig or table saw to cut the plywood.

Step 5:

Get a drywall sheet with the exact dimensions of the basement window cavity. Add the widths of both the Drywall and the plywood. This will give you the actual depth at which the 1×1 boards are present. Use wood screws to secure the 1×1 framework. 

Step 6:

Use insulation to fill the cavity. It is recommended to use fiberglass insulation. You can cut it with scissors and put it behind the framework. Next, fit and screw the plywood into the cavity.

Step 7: 

Once the plywood is secured, fit the Drywall into the window cavity. During this step, make sure the new Drywall lies even with the surrounding walls. You can use drywall screws to fasten the drywall sheet to the plywood.

Step 8: 

Use the putty knife to run a joint compound’s layer over the gap between the Drywall and the wall. While the drywall mud is wet, apply drywall tape to cover the gap. You can use the putty knife to smooth down the tape. You should at least use two coats of joint compound to get a smooth finish.

Step 9: 

Let the new drywall rest until it dries completely. Afterward, use sandpaper to sand the Drywall and removing all imperfections. You should use as much drywall compound as needed to match the old wall’s texture. A good way to do this is to use the old Drywall compound you may have used in the first project.

Step 10: 

Let the texture dry properly and prime and paint the wall. Using the same paint and primer used on the existing walls is recommended.

How To Tape and Mud Drywall Around Windows?

Firstly, it’s important to note that even though you can technically Drywall without taping, this is not recommended for basement windows due to high humidity levels. 

Secondly, if you are installing Drywall around the entire window, you have to be extra careful instead of covering the entire window. 

The fact is, Drywall is a finicky material. So, it’s easy to mess up the finish around the windows. In fact, most people try to avoid mudding and taping around windows as it’s quite a challenging job.

Lastly, you can use a J-molding on Drywall around the Window casings at the top edge and bottom of the siding to hold the siding in place.

However, it’s not an impossible task. You can follow the following steps to tape and mud (using the right amount) drywall around windows:

  1. Remove the trim and sand down rough edges
  2. Use a putty knife to fill in cracks and holes
  3. Use a paintbrush to apply drywall mud to the window’s inside edge
  4. Use a high-density foam roller to apply drywall tape and press it
  5. Apply a second layer of drywall mud to the inside edge
  6. Use a drywall knife to smooth out the drywall mud
  7. Use a sand block for sanding the drywall mud

FAQs:

How To Add Trim To Drywall Framed Windows?

You can follow these steps to install wood trims on the drywall frames window easily:

  1. Mark the distance between the scribe flush and jamb center
  2. Place the trim at least 3/16″ away from the jamb
  3. Cut a 450 miter on each end of the trim
  4. Use glue to pin the miter together
  5. Repeat the process to trim the entire window

Does A Basement Window Need A Header?

Yes, basement windows do need a header. It will span the top of the window opening. The header is like a bridge that allows the space between to be open, not closed. 

How To Finish A Basement Window In Concrete?

Installing windows in concrete is sometimes necessary when the lights are required in basements. To get a perfect finish, you need to follow three simple steps: mark the opening, construct the lintels, and install the basement window.

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