A previous post mentioned “Abundent Energy” and “Conservation Technology” for roof glazing systems. However the systems are expensive. At $10 per linear foot for the extrusions, the glass mounting system is far more expensive than any other component. If I use one of these systems thorughout the sunroom, I’ll be paying 10 grand just for chunks of aluminum. Which means that really, I won’t be building it.
Are there any good roof glazing systems that are less costly, but still low maintenance?
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EPDM on wood, glass lays on that, batten strip holds down glass, polyurethane seals the gaps.
Based on that, try this for an idea:
G= thickness of glass +2 times edpm thickness.
Rabbet a 3/8"x G into the edges of the supporting member.
Cover with EDPM.
Instead of batten see if I can locate a source of 16 guage galvanized steel. Cut in strips the width of the supporting timber, Put 10" bends 1/3 of the way from the long edges. The net effect is like a door footing moulding, that is hollow undeneath. (I bet the right sheet metal shop can do this with a roller.
Drill the center with 1/4 holes every 8 inches.
Powder coat the metal strips to some attractive colour
Line the back side with the same edpm rubber.
Pre-punch the edpm at the screw holes, so that later putting a screw in won't cause it to separate.
Lay glass in on rabbet. Use Lee valley panel bumpers to support the lower edge. Probably use one bumper per 6"
Lay metal strip over.
Screw down using neoprene gasketed screws used to fasten metal roofing.
This essentially creates a spring clip holding the window.
At the upper end, leave enough room for the glass to expand. (May mean a larger rabbet. Preliminary calcs say I need 1/8" expansion for the 3 foot dimension, not quite twice that for the 5.5 foot dimension, and I'll use 5/8 at the very top, as the heat in the peak may reach 160 degrees F.
Where can I get sticky one side EDPM tape?
Do I need to worry about over-tightening the screws.
Is the shape of the metal correct, or do I need something with a shape closer to a recurved bow to spread the pressure of the trim over more glass?
Is 16 guage the right weight?
Is 8 inches the right screw interval?
How should the edpm be detailed at the corners?
How smooth do the rabbets need to be? How much forgiveness is embodies by the rubber?
I figure since it's a greenhouse (at least sort of) every piece of wood should be primed and painted with a good quality paint. Yes?