Hello All – This is my first post . . . but not likely my last. We are about to embark on building an addition to our ranch home. We aren’t exactly sure how to frame up and install a series of windows. The plan is for a bank of 5 casement windows with a bank of awning windows above and below the casements. The overall size is 11′ 8″ x 8′. What advise can the group offer?
H&J in Connecticut
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Replies
An arrangement like that needs supports between each vertical set, otherwise high winds can blow the whole thing out if you just fasten the windows to each other. Manufacturer's catalogs give specifications about how much reinforcement is needed and the manufacturers also supply metal framing to accomplish it that is sized to work with the windows they supply. Andersen, for one, has a great technical section in their full size catalog. If you dealer doesn't have any to give out (they usually aren't free) then you can pull up a stool and do your calculations at the counter in the store.
Manufacturers may have put the technical information on line nowadays.
If you use low awning windows you need to consider the possibility that someone will walk into the projected window when open and either change to fixed or locate carefully.
Jeff
H&J
You'll probably get a lot of other responses more detailed than mine, but first off there's a lot more info that's needed before you can get good advice.
Where are you located is one. In the PNW there's shear wall engineering that's required for essentially 3 sided structures (assuming the windows take up most of the surface), and I'm sure it's the same in a lot of parts of the country.
What are you adding on to? How will it tie in to the existing structure?
I'd be the first to say you may want to talk to an engineer or an architect who'll know some structural requirements for your area. Or someone here will know more specifics if you tell where you're at.
There's header sizing to consider, as well as load distribution to footings, and all that.
Like I said before, I'm probably not helping all that much, but especially with that much glazing it's good to make sure you're probably sized and braced depending on earthquake/wind requirements and all that for your location.
Paul
Thank you all for your responses. To answer the additional questions raised, we're just southeast of central Connecticut - not near the shore though. We're adding a family room and master suite on to the rear of a ranch. The glazing is probably in the area of 50% for that gable end wall. The interior will be cathedral ceiling and looking out over the back yard.
H&J
Submit your design idea to one of the window companies. Andersen, Marvin, Pella. Any of those will engineer it for you.
You have probably looked at some of the details in the window catalogs that show "factory mulling" of multiple units. Your array is beyond that scope, and likely needs reinforcement.
Your situation needs to be described with wind exposure criteria, so be sure to include that when you present your package.
check out the anderson joining systems. should be on the web site.
i user either the aluminum or LVL system. approved for hurricane areas.
if nothing else it will give you a good idea of what a good system looks like.