Greetings
I am trying to figure out the best way to install a porthole on a gable end of a cape on the Cape.
The porthole is a vintage brass ship porthole with a 7.5″ OD on the part that sticks out of the house. Form the outside of the flange the port projects 2.75″ I have a plan for the inside, but I’m looking for suggestions about how to deal with the exterior. The gable end will have cedar shingles, and no one is going to see it (because of a dormer next to it.) I’m looking for a simple and watertight plan.
Any ideas??
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Replies
Traditionally, portholes were installed bedded in white-lead putty. You might try using plumbers putty as bedding instead of trying to find a source of white-lead powder and mixing up your own putty.
Torque the bolts down evenly and alternate across the rim from one side to the other; don't tighten them all around it circumferentially or you'll warp it.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
foolish men call Justice....
I installed a porthole on my building. My exterior siding is much different then shingles, but I don't think that would make any difference. Basically all I did was to use the right size round galvanized duct that would fit into the port. (Stainless duct might be a better choice.) This duct then simply sticks out slightly proud of the siding. I used a good caulk to seal the small gap between siding and duct. The duct should be installed so it very slightly slopes to the exterior. Some water blows in but it drains right back out. On the inside, the port is simply screwed to the sheetrock. On the outside all one sees is a hole in the siding, there is no trim.