Trapezoid window design conundrum
Aloha!
I have a design problem that has been wracking my brain for a long time. Every time I think I’ve found the answer, I then find flaws in it!
Perhaps some brilliant woodworker out there can see a solution more clearly!
Here’s the issue:
I built an all cedar house, complete with handmade cedar doors and windows. I have a square cupola, as a third story. Because of the angle it was placed on top of the second story roof, the windows are TRAPEZOID shaped.
OK; no problem, piece of cake. My friend and I built fixed windows in the 7 out of 8 Rough Openings. I wanted the last window to be OPEN – ABLE, so I can access the roof.
This is my conundrum. How to build a trapezoidal window that opens, yet keeps weather (intense sideways, monsoonish rain.) out.
Mind you— it can only open toward one direction OUT, as the steep pitch of the roof will not allow it to open in the other direction. (The hinges would have to be on the longer side)
If it open toward the interior, then how can it keep weather out? The drip edge would be on the sill; it needs to overhang the sill on the outside to create an effective drip edge.
Oye! I out-tricked myself!
Thanks for any and all suggestions!
Replies
girlgotwood,
Can you hinge it from the top?
Ron
or the bottom. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
No, bottom hinges wouldn't work, as I must scamper out of the opening to get out on the roof. Even though I'm skinny, no glass can handle being scampered on!
But thank you so much for your thoughts!
Jeeperz! You may well be onto something here! I suppose I could. There is a 3 foot overhang on the roof. The longest side is 38". But I'm sure I could secure a hook in a rafter up there to secure it. And place latches on the interior to seal it shut tight.
BINGO!!
THANK YOU so much, it's just been in my face for so long, I couldn't SEE anymore!!!
Add a couple of the hinged side supports and you can keep the window open for venting, yet unloosen them to lift the window all the way up. Very common on old storm sash .
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
Yes, another great idea. However, I am a bit sick of the birds flying in, and then can't find their way out! It drives our cats nuts!
I'm like that all the time when working alone - too absorbed in the job at hand to stand back and see the whole picture.
Ron
Very well placed compression tube silicone gaskets from Rescouce Conservation Technology. And a decent latch to firmly close the sash.
Use a sweep on the sill , the sill rail will ride over the frame sill.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
You use those, too? They supply the best assortment of weatherseals and the slotting bit to make installation a cinch. I always keep some of their sweeps and bulb gaskets on hand.
http://www.conservationtechnology.com/downloads/Weatherseals.pdf
Riversong HouseWright
Design * * Build * * Renovate * * ConsultSolar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes
Yup. I have the newer version of the router as well, basically a roto-zip type deal, but presents the 1/8" bit at a 45/45 degree angle for corner grooving existing/old work.
I love them and thier products.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
You can also seal the windows against a frame with a built-in gutter so any water making it's way past the seal will drip down into the gutter and still shed to the outside.
This is much like many of the cheap vinyl windows. They still work well because the water dripps down into a channel/gutter and sheds out.
Best of luck
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.