Making a fixed window from thermopane
So, let’s say I could score a bunch of insulated glass, that is to say, sealed thermopanes. How would I go about making that into a fixed window?
When it comes to the exteriors of houses, I have no experience. Zilch, zip, nada, big fat goose egg. . . All I know is something about thinking like a raindrop. This is for an outbuilding, though, and a hypothetical one at that.
I might start off by dadoing some 1x pine to accept my thermopane. So far, so good: I’d have a wooden frame with glass in it. Never having installed any windows, ever, I’m kind of stalled at that point.
I imagine the sill of window frame would have to slope to reject water. I’m not certain how to do that effectively. And it would have to be flashed on top so that water wouldn’t run onto the window frame and then into my wall. That’s logical.
The window would also have to be cased on the outside, and then I guess I’d just butt the siding up against the casing. Am I on the right track, here?
Replies
You've got the general idea. It can be as simple as a basic rectangular frame with stops fastened on either side of the pane, or you can dado a groove and assemble the frame around the pane. At least the bottom horizontal member should be angled downward to shed water (either by angling the board or by cutting it into a wedge shape), but you still have to rely on caulk/glazing compound in the bottom joint to keep water out of the frame.
There are several ways to do the siding-casing joint, but I favor the simple butt joint. caulked, with something like peel-and-stick flashing behind.
Think about building sashes first, that is, surrounding your glass with a simple frame. Then think about a window "unit" into which the sash would be installed. The window unit would be comprised of side and top jambs and a sill. This way, if you ever need to repair some glass, you can simply remove the sash. Some windows have exterior casing already applied, some don't. For your case, applied casing would probably be more than adequate.
Building a window and installing it properly can be lengthy discussions. Look up articles in JLC by Carl Hagstrom for installation/flashing tips. His advice is excellent, and is especially good for someone who is about to do this for the first time.
Don't dado the boards - you need to be able to get the glass out.
I made these seven last week; not much time in them at all. The glass panes are mounted from the inside, with weep holes at the bottom - I could do this because it is a basement and synthetic material.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=102108.1
Super easy to do with a table saw. I used a steep (15º) sill angle.
Forrest
Edited 3/24/2008 6:44 am ET by McDesign
Bill
We build a lot of doors and windows with fixed glass.
You seam like you have the general idea. One thing to also consider is the caulk that you imbed your window in. I don't know the product name right now but I can get it, its specifically for windows, stick stuff that will not dry out or harden.
Then you can just put window stop on the inside.
Doug
I'd run some sort of a search here on BT on the subject. There was
recently a good thread on this exact topic. It talked about properly
supporting the glass with a flexible shim. Also about not using certain
caulks(I think silicone)because of the off gassing affecting the seal
between the panes. If I'm back on at a better time I'll try to dig it
up.
Good Luck
Having conquered my laziness for a brief moment, I ran a search for the
thread I was thinking of but I don't yet know how to link it, but it's
100263.1(the number of the first message,from DoRight) nonetheless.
Maybe it'll be of help.
high lite the # and copy/paste....
100263.1
or right click...
copy shortcut... then paste...
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=100263.1
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Good pics of the process, in FHB article, many years ago.