I am converting a carport to a garage on a 50’s ranch. Due to local codes, two large (5 x 7) windows will need to be removed and sealed. I need some ideas on what material to seal the openings with. The brick exterior is an off color “orange” which I could never get to match. I was thinking of cedar lap siding, however, my wife says to just drywall it and paint it a color that would blend with the brick. All ideas are welcome. Thanks.
allen
Get expert guidance on finding a fixer-upper that's worth the effort.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Allen,
In a garage, I'd do my best to create some shallow shelving or a tool cabinet. I have an 8' tall shelf that's only about 3 1/2 inches deep that I use for my fastners, bolts, hardware, all in peanut butter jars and Rolaid containers.
Maybe a 3/4 ply back, then shelves and hinged doors. Don't give up any potential storage !
Greg
I'd consider stucco (or similarly textured drywall).
Unfortunately, you probably need the full wall thickness for firestop reasons, otherwise some inset shelving would work out.
You are correct about the firewall. I'll need the full space. I wish I could use it for shelving. Had not thought about stucco, thanks.
Inside a garage?
How much will a brick of a different color really matter? Especially if you paint the wall?
Or maybe finish with pegboard to hang "stuff" on.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Windows are on the exterior walls. I see no reason to have to DW them inside. Many garages have no interior DW except on the shared wall.
Exterior finish; I'd use T-111. I would also frame the opening with a built in set of 1x6 shelves. You have to lay out your nail lines on the T-111 carefully. Don't forget a drip edge on top. Lay the siding in sealant around the shelves where the edges of the siding fall. Caulk the outside of the siding bottom and side edges.
Trim it, batten the center joint in the siding, add a cross bar and paint the thing with colors that work with the brick. Caulk the joint behind the batten, don't caulk the other trim.
SamT
Windows are on the exterior walls. I see no reason to have to DW them inside. Many garages have no interior DW except on the shared wall.
I'm assuming these windows are in the shared wall.
Can't imagine a carport with windows elsewhere.
J. D. ReynoldsHome Improvements
Correct, windows are on the existing exterior wall to the carport, which will then be a shared wall when the carport is sealed to become the garage.
allen
Of course, all you really need is a 4" studwall to serve as firewall. So you have the thickness of the brick that you can play with to do a shelf thing, if that's what you'd like.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
windows are on the existing exterior [house] wall to the carport, which will then be a shared wall when the carport is sealed to become the garage"My bad. I have seen one carport that had a back wall with windows in it and jumped to that old tired conclusion.In that case, go with your SWMBO's idea. Drywall.SamT
You could frame in the opening with fire rated studs, then put 2 layers of 5/8" type X on the interior, and have a one hour rated wall, and the space for shallow shelves...buic
What are these "fire rated studs" you mention? Fire-treated wood? I only do residential work and am not familiar with some of the stuff I know you do on a regular basis. Your idea is a nifty one, but I'd still feel better with the standard wall containing studs and insulation in the center of two gyprock layers. Also, that 70 sq ft of window area will be cold in winter without insulation... like it is now with windows installed! But without the light/view.Thanks,
Bill
Yes, no insulation would be cold. I thought you liked the idea of shelf space, that's why I suggested that.
Fire rated studs and plywood are used in commercial work. Ask at a larger yard, many stock it.
Good luck with the garage..buic
How about hardi panels?