Replies

1. 
   calvin | Mar 29, 2011 05:28pm | #1

   I've done it many times...............

   but remember the cohesive look you want all these inoperable windows to have with the stock windows you install.

   Door sidelight, not likely to piss off the wife.

   But, that bay or even the dormer way up there, you'd want the same look (and cladding) of the others in the house.

   no?

1. 
   DoRight | Mar 29, 2011 07:36pm | #3

   I hear you

   Yes, the cohesive look is important. I was thinking the door sidelite would be enough of a different animal to not be viewed as out of place, also the small series of windows in the shed dormer bathroom (very near ceiling and 18 inches square).  The bow window?  Could be an issue, but again I was thinking the bow aspect and fixed pane nature would also make it a different animal.  Will have to keep thinking.  I the mean time any resources for related construction issues? 

1. 
   calvin | Mar 29, 2011 07:43pm | #4

   cohesive........

   in that the sash and frames should look the same inside and out.

   Whether it be in a bow or up there in the dormer.  Sure that there's glass might look ok, but what about the sash and frame-will it look the same?

   Any related construction issues?  for what, the house? or the windows?

1. 
   DoRight | Mar 30, 2011 02:14pm | #5

   I guess I am thinking for these applications the different and clearer look would make sense.  But I hear you.  The bigger issue would be the exterior.  If I use clad windows, clearly the exterior I would trim out would be different.  Again the bow window at ground level would be the buster.  The sidelite is just such a different animal, and the second level dormer is just so different as well.

   Thanks for your sanity check.

   As for my question about general construction tips (window or house) I was referring to building windows (stops, sealing etc...)

   It is interesting that you started your reply by saying you have built site windows on numerous occasions and yet seem to think there are real issues here with seamless look.  Under what circumstances have you built such windows?

1. 
   calvin | Mar 30, 2011 03:55pm | #6

   issues, or not.

   Do,

   For homes with no cladding, old style-where I would have the sash made up to match existing and then install in new jambs with site built sills..................renovations.  Sometimes using the old hardware-such as old slide rod casements, latch type casements with storms/screens...........

   A couple additions where we built the trapezoid type with fixed glass-up in the gables or as clerastory (whatever the spelling is on that)-fixed transom lites and of course-sidelights for door entries.

   None were to match factory clading-some had alum. wraps on site to the trim, not the sash.

2. 
   calvin | Mar 29, 2011 05:30pm | #2

   Don't forget, you want decent water shed, mounting, and trim on these site built things.

   And

   you don't want a different look to the low e coatings either.

3. 
   Piffin | Mar 31, 2011 07:34pm | #7

   Something to be sure to keep in mind as you order glass - The sidelite must be tempered or safety glass

4. 
   Clewless1 | Mar 31, 2011 10:38pm | #8

   I would trim out the rough opening to the position of the glass. Install the glass, then trim the other part of the opening. The exterior gets a slope sill. The interior maybe gets a notched sill that extends beyond the side trim. No wood stops required. So it wouldn't be 'just a box', but really two boxes that sandwich the glass.

   As someone pointed out ... you MAY want to ensure you have the same glass as the other windows. But if the windows are rarely seen adjacent each other, it may not be an issue. I combined mirror glass and clear in the same house ... albeit different orientations ... so it wasn't an issue ... you don't even notice ... inside or out.

1. 
   calvin | Apr 01, 2011 06:42am | #9

   Stops are there for a reason.

   So you don't have to disassemble the unit to change out the glass.

   Doesn't sound like much until you need to do it.

   DoRight- Read up on setting glass.  You don't just oversize the opening "a little" and plunk the glass down.  Make your openings, call the glass guy.

   A good glass guy.

1. 
   Clewless1 | Apr 01, 2011 08:13am | #10

   good point about the stops. I just pray I never have to change the glass!  ;)  I've probably painted myself in a corner. Still really can't just make one box, though. You need an exterior sloping sill. I always run both the interior and exterior sills wide. 'Guess you could make a three sided box and then do the sills separate.

1. 
   calvin | Apr 01, 2011 08:30am | #11

   Clew, I may be overthinking this, but........

   You build the frame with the exterior sill attached-like a window has always been built.

   You set the frame from the outside-jambs sized for wall thickness or add extension later-like always.

   You add the interior trim/sill/stool after frame set.

   Install glass and stop from the exterior (or interior if you wish).

   Wash the glass.