I would like to put in some large picture windows. What are the maximum dimensions for this type of window? Is there size limitations for glass?
My initial design calls for windows that are approximately 9’X 11′. Is this possible? If it is, would these be able to be insulated glass? Tempered?
I’m also interested in using a similar size for a custom sliding patio door. Is this possible?
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Replies
Glass can come in almost any size. Framing would need to support the weight. Tempered or not depends on how close to the ground, whether a door could open into it, etc. My glass co charges by the sf...doesn't matter if it's one large or several small...so there's no up-charge just be/c of the size. One consideration is replacement cost if it's ever broken...if one big pane, then it'd be one big pain be/c of all you'd be paying.
You wanna slide a 9 x 11? Not me.
I recently had two large picture windows installed. They were tempered and double pane. Both were about 6 ft 6 inches high, the larger was almost 9 ft wide. My glass co said that was at the limit of what they could do. Took six guys to install the glass, and they were working hard. It was a ground level window...I hate to think what would have happened on a second floor.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
Edited 1/11/2004 11:44:20 PM ET by ELCID72
Be very careful with the framing.We had to replace two 10 ft high by 4ft wide units up two stories because the support beam had sagged and the seals had gone on the thermos.Reinforcing the framing and busting our collective humps hauling the glass up a scaffold tower only to find that the glass co had got the templates reversed so the low -e was on the wrong surface.The assembly guy then tried to hide the mistake by putting the stickers on as per the templates.They replaced at no charge but we had to haul the glass up yet again.That put me off big windows,in fact maybe the Normans had it right with arrow slits and no glass!!! :-)
Yeah its possible, I've seen it done. With glass that big I would recomend several things. 1. Order it as 'super glass or its equvilent. Its 1" thick qudrouple pane with low e and argon(the two inner panes are plastic, coated with the e). With that much surface area you will have a huge thermal transfer unless you live way south. 2. You can make a slider that big but you will have to use special european hardware made for this app. Try GU hardware they specialize in the big slider stuff you are looking for. A big lever handle ingages the roller system and when not in use the door comes down a 1/4" to compress against a gasket system. 3. For gods sake get a crane to install those monsters! Typically sliders of this size(and with super glass; which is only available out of canada as far as I know) are around $1100-$1300 a lineal foot. I will try to get you some info on a us company that specializes in this stuf, have to do some diging. GU Hardware might be able to point you towards some manufactures.
Try this. http://www.g-u.com/liftslid.htm