My home is about 40 years old with cinderblock foundation. We have wood frame windows in the basement that we are looking at replacing (they are single pane windows with storm windows). We have had a couple people in for quotes and they told us that there is no support over the window, the window is essentially supporting the cinderblocks above it. Their suggestion is to leave the frame and put in insert windows, we don't really like this idea since the wood frame is not in the best shape. Just wondering if it is possible to put in a support, think it is called a lintel, and, if so, would it be done by a window company or contractor or someone else?

How wide are the windows?

Show us a picture.

Sorry, not quite sure how to attach my picture. We have 5 windows in the basement: 2 are 71 inches wide, 2 are 48 inches wide, and 1 is 25 inches wide. There is 1 row of cinderblock over each window and then the wood frame of the house on top.

Suggest the following approach.

Cut plywood 8" wide and long enough to reach 18' beyond the window opening. Nail plywood to cement block on each side of the window using 2" hard cut nails and a 4 lb. sledge hammer or with a power hammer. Drive 2 nails into each cement block above the window. Do this inside and out.

Remove the old window frame. The plywood should hold the cement blocks in place while you work.

Build a new frame using treated 2x8 material. Cut a top and bottom piece to fit the width of the opening. Lay both pieces in the opening. Measure to the top of the opening. Measure several places. Cut 2 legs to that length. Coat the back side of all wood members with several beads of construction adhesive. Lift the top piece up and put the legs in place, supporting the top. Put the leg in the top corner and then drive the bottom in place. If the leg is too difficult to get in, trim it slightly. If the leg goes in too easily, cut another one about 1/8 to 1/4" longer. You want it a tight as possible. Seal between the wood and the block with construction adhesive.

Remove plywood.

Have new windows installed in your new frame.