FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

window alternative

GCNC | Posted in General Discussion on March 23, 2006 03:51am

Hi All

I am building a wood shop/ Barn type of building. It will be uninsulated . I am looking for inexpensive window alternatives. I would rather not pay for double glazing in an unisulated building. Does anyone know of companies that still offer single glazing? Or just an inexpensive alternative. I prefer brick mold to nailing fin type of frames for this application. There will probably be a picture style and a few DH’s or awnings.
HC

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. FastEddie | Mar 23, 2006 05:07pm | #1

    On the chance that you might insulate it next year, why not go ahead and install a HD-Lowes stock insulated window?  Shouldn't cost much.

     

     

    "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

  2. VaTom | Mar 23, 2006 07:27pm | #2

    If you can be flexible with your design, opportunities abound.  Here's a $1/ea purchase I built into mine.  At one time, 2 of the large panes were doors in a truck dealership.  The smaller (uninstalled when I took the pic) casement came from a client house, redwood single-glazed.  They wanted something warmer.  I didn't.

    PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

    1. User avater
      txlandlord | Mar 23, 2006 10:41pm | #6

      Trees everywhere and leaves on the ground, I miss VA.

      1. VaTom | Mar 24, 2006 02:43pm | #14

        Trees everywhere and leaves on the ground, I miss VA.

        No accident that we live here.  I've been told how lucky we are.  Luck had very little to do with it.

        It's all about choices.  Ohio houseguest recently expressed surprise that we've been a decade in a place that we'd be perfectly happy to grow old in.  Not this house exactly, but the mountain.  Like putting the copper roof on that building, I expect the relationship to last.

        Far as I can tell, our situation ought to be common.  If not, why not?  Everybody has choices.PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

        1. User avater
          txlandlord | Mar 24, 2006 08:54pm | #17

          Yep, after posting I realized I forgot to mention the rolling terrain. I have lived in VA and it also looks like my home state of Tennessee.

          I told someone Wednesday, that I certainly would not be here in this area of Texas if I did not believe this is where God wants me right now. I am very blessed, but it has little to do with the beauty of the countryside, especially when compared to to VA and TN.

           

          1. VaTom | Mar 26, 2006 06:39pm | #19

            Almost nothing to do with windows....

            Flatland doesn't do much for me.  I've been told that Texas "hill country", wherever that is, is really nice.  Might just be relative to the parts of Texas I've seen (and was happy to leave).  Natives here found it strange that we left Colorado, looking for a mountain.  <G>  Coloradans generally opine that we didn't find one. 

            Just yesterday met a guy who remembered Denver very fondly (astounded that we left)- but that was from the early 70's.  Large populations make a big difference, virtually anywhere.  That's my primary concern here.  "Large" is obviously relative, but the new U. research park will double our population when completed.  Appears I'm about the only one who did't welcome it with open arms.  Even the anti-development folks.  Unsure where they thought all the new arrivals were going to live... 

            It occurred to me, after posting, that we really like a lot of places.  Areas that I don't necessarily want to live.  Sonoran desert is one of them, although it's changed immensely from my happy childhood memories.  Before settling in Va, we land-shopped much of the west: coastal Bellingham, Wash to Monterey, Calif; Idaho, Ariz, New Mexico, and southern Colo.  An important trip for us, second only to a much longer one we did, similar intent, in the early 70's. 

            That one was outside the US.  If Norway hadn't had such long winters...  Sinai also felt like home, but it's part of Egypt now. 

            Certainly can't speak for everyone, but for us and most of the people we know, where you wake up colors your whole day.  Our Ohio houseguest awoke to see the large trees just a few feet from our 8' tall banks of bald windows.  Then stepped outside to greet the sunrise creeping over a mountain and listen to the woods critters looking for breakfast. 

            At his house, I awoke to the sound of the quarry (mile away), running 24 hrs.  Didn't really want to go outside, where it was louder.

            As you've found, community makes a big difference.  We had different expectations than you, but did examine prospective communities carefully.  Ideally, everybody could/would live in grace.

            Oooh, windows.  Second the motion for fixed glass.  Very inexpensive, function beautifully.  Here's our southern bank of low e (reflecting the winter view):PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

  3. User avater
    JDRHI | Mar 23, 2006 07:51pm | #3

    I'd go the vinyl replacement route...although they'll be double pane (a) you're covered if down the line you change your mind on insulating and (b) if this project requires a permit they too may be required.

    Check with some local manufacturers....often times they'll have damaged units that they'll seel cheap just to get rid of them.

    J. D. Reynolds

    Home Improvements

    1. johnharkins | Mar 23, 2006 09:35pm | #4

      for me probably the one most important architectural gesture one can make for any structure is the use of multi lite wood sash muntined windows and I can't help but think you could find some available for purchasedefinitely more expensive than twenty yrs ago but should be available as they sure are replacing them by the hundreds everydayin the olde ones you even get the "bottled" glass

      1. User avater
        RRooster | Mar 25, 2006 07:43pm | #18

        I believe you can still special order single pane windows.  I did for a garage project and even got almond colored vinyl.

         

  4. DanH | Mar 23, 2006 09:48pm | #5

    Replace some of the roofing/siding with fiberglass.

    If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people

    happy?

  5. JohnT8 | Mar 23, 2006 11:46pm | #7

    Have you thought to call a window replacement contractor in your area and see if you could pick up a few of the windows he is yanking out?  You'd be saving him dumpster space.

     

     

    jt8

    "When you take charge of your life, there is no longer need to ask permission of other people or society at large. When you ask permission, you give someone veto power over your life." -- Geoffrey F. Abert

  6. shellbuilder | Mar 24, 2006 12:40am | #8

    Find an aluminum window dealer. I just bought some white alumnum double pane for a job to match existing for about 80.00 each. They do leak in the corners so pans are a must.

     

  7. chascomp | Mar 24, 2006 12:52am | #9

    my local lumber yard still sells "barn sash". It's single pane glass and comes with no jambs, just the sash (sorta like a picture frame w/o the picture). If you're building a barn I'm sure can build a jamb or just nail them in a hole sawn in the siding, no stool, no apron, no jambs. If you want them to open just hang them from hinges and voila a top swing awning window or use a chain at the top and hinge the bottom. The fun part is making the jambs.

    The older you get the more the journey matters.

    1. DavidxDoud | Mar 24, 2006 03:05am | #10

      my local lumber yard still sells "barn sash".

      mine does not,  and was unable to stir any up from any of suppliers in January - could you check the manufacturer (or just identify the yard)? - still need those 3 I was looking for and now need 4 more besides - 36"X24" -

      thanks for any help - "there's enough for everyone"

      1. DanH | Mar 24, 2006 03:14am | #11

        Check places selling nursery supplies.  Sometimes barn sashes are used for cold frames.
        If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people

        happy?

  8. girlbuilder | Mar 24, 2006 06:23am | #12

    There's a window manufacturer locally here who still manufactures and sells wood, single pane windows on the cheap, albeit slightly cheaper than a vinyl double thermal pane. I am sure if you check out local manufacturers, you might be able to find one similar.

    We used them for someone we built a three season porch for. Work just fine.

  9. wrudiger | Mar 24, 2006 07:18am | #13

    We have several construction recycling outfits near us.  Vast quantities of windows in all shapes & styles at great prices. Where do you live (hint: fill out your profile please!)

  10. BobI | Mar 24, 2006 07:07pm | #15

    Your profile doesn't say where you're located but if you're in or near eastern MA then have I got a deal for you - I have about a dozen vinyl replacement windows (insulated glass, all vinyl inside & out, tilt to clean, good sash locks, screens included, etc.) that I've removed from my house and would like to sell (cheap).

    On the other hand, if GCNC means you're in North Carolina, please pardon the spam.

     

  11. User avater
    CapnMac | Mar 24, 2006 07:32pm | #16

    Well, the ultimate alternative is to just use fixed glazing.  Frame the opening, set jambs, sill and head in it.  Put in door stop all the way around on the outside.  Get a piece of glass to fit that opening, and set it in place.  Screw in door stop on the inside to hold the glass.  Done.

    You could also yellow pages or google for Architectural Salvage (or Builder's Salvage) in your area--they sometimes have sashes available.  Find the collection of those you want/like, and frame to suit.

    Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Ranch Redux

An architect and a handy homeowner team up for an exterior upgrade with energy efficiency, comfort, and durability as part of the plan.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"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.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data