Replacing operable with fixed windows
I am replacing three windows, two are aluminum framed double hung and one is a fogged triple pane (thin film, with glass interior and exterior pane, ruptured seal). I’m removing all of the windows from the outside. Taking out double hungs will expose the rough opening, the triple pane is held in place by aluminun extrusions and screws. Foam tape seals the fixed glass to the aluminum. There is an aluminum frame that the IGU fits in and it rests on a couple of neoprene blocks. My question is what is the best material to use to construct frames to set the new IGU’s in? I can cobble up something out of aluminum extrusions, but am curious if there is something better. The house is being wrapped in foam and resided with fiber cement siding, so exterior trim is not a problem. Incidently, the fixed unit is 53 inches tall and the exterior height dimension of the double hung is 54 inches, exclusive of nailing fin.
Suggestions and comments would be appreciated. Environmental considerations are wind, hail, snow, sun and wide daily and annual temperature swings (life in Southwestern Montana).
Update: Southwest Montana just had one of its hail events, so local glass suppliers are swamped. The university in Bozeman had over 1000 windows broken, so it will be a while before there is much interest in doing 3 realatively small windows. I’ll plan on leaving the existing windows in place for a couple of weeks.
Replies
Are these old ones
ganged together?
And the two new dbl hungs are store bought?
Why not do the same with the fixed glass?
More details
Hi,
There are not going to be any new double hung windows. I will be removing the old, aluminum framed double hung windows and installing fixed, insulating glass units. The fogged triple pane is also going to be removed and a new double pane IGU installed. The arrangement is the current fixed window has a double hung on each side. There is a 22.5 degree angle between the central fixed window and the flanking double hung windows to provide a panoramic view. There is more than adequate ventilation and ingress/egress so there is no need for operable windows.
I don't understand your comment; Do the same what with the fixed glass?
Thanks for the reply.
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I'm not surprised you didn't understand my comment as I didn't really picture your situation. I think I have it now.
You are buying 3 fixed insulated glass "units" that have no frame. While you are building a frame for the flanker window glass (fixed also) you are "maybe" thinking of setting the new middle glass in the existing frame....................but are thinking there's a better way-hence a new frame for the glass.
am I close?
Well, then again I'm wondering.............if you're building a frame for the old dbl hung openings, why not the same for the center opening? I'm thinking the roughs would have maybe been the same because of them being built that way the first time? no?
If that were the case, I'd build the frames to size, set them in the opening, fasten, weatherproof, trim out and then side.
Have an integral stop for the glass in those frames-set from the inside and install interior stops-trim that side.
or do the opposite as far as the stops and the install.
Best of luck.
If I'm not even close, I'll not bother you again.