I am in the process of building a new kitchen. I want to close up the vent in my crawlspace to keep the pipes from freezing. I would like to just seal up the vent, but I live in a flood zone. So I need to install a window that can be operated from the exterior of the building. I went to HD and Lowes (it was Sunday), and their suppliers could not make a window as small as I need. The rough opening for the vent is 14 ½ inches by 7 ¾ inches. The full height of the crawlspace is 10 inches from the concrete floor to the sill plate. Is there a manufacturer who will make a window that small?
Thank you in advance for all your help.
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Any manufacturer should be able to do this. Whether they will deal directly with you is a different story. You may need to go through a glass shop. You could start with the Yellow Pages.
Scott.
Thanks Scott,I was surprised to find out that all the suppliers HD and Lowes use (mainly Andersen) will not make a window unit that small.
Sounds like a CMU foundation wall.
Why a window ?
There are replacement operatable vents to fit an 8x16" block. Masonary supplies ought to have selection you can choose from.
Closing off the vent will help your freezing problem some. I don't know how cold it gets in northern Jersey, but you may want to tink of pipe insulation and heat trace tape.
Dave,It is block. I want to use glass because a I find that a window unit will seal up better then a movable vent unit. The pipes will stay warm cause I plan on insulating the rim and walls. I will also consider wrapping the pipes with heat tape.I would like to order a window to the current opening size because I don't want to enlarge the RO.Thanks,Danny
Why not just make up a insulated panel, it will warmer than a window, although a window will let the critters have a veiw<G>
No one should regard themselve as "God's gift to man." But rather a mere man whos gifts are from God.
A panel is a good idea, but a window is much easier to open when the spring rains come.The opening is also under a deck that has three feet of clearance, so when I crawl under it I want to be able to just slide open a window.
Hi Sbds,
14 ½ inches by 7 ¾ inches. Is there a manufacturer who will make a window that small?
I googled "Trailer Windows" and got 35 million hits.
After a bit of reading, Trailer windows come in a variety of applications. From crank out and tilt out, to lift out and raise. All types of seals are available as well.
Personally I would consider making a trap door type window spring hinged at the top. If the crawl space flooded while you were away, the pressure of the water would simply open on it's own to let out the majority of water and then you could prop it open once returned to help air it out.
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Thanks,I never would have thought of a trailer window.
good idear
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FEMA regulations call for VERY specific vents in a Flood Plain. I really don't think a "window" would meet their specs. The vents have to be static, self-closing. They have insulated models, too.
Check this out http://www.smartvent.com/index.php
These are the only vents approved for the Flood Plain, if you're just ina mapped Flood Zone your idea may work.
Last I checked, SmartVents were about $150 each for the 8 x 16 size.
Greg
Thanks Greg,My house is no where up to todays code. It was built with too few vents. I like the idea of a window better because I have found that the vents just don't seal up as well as a window.
It is funny how the web site shows water coming out of the vent, if only it worked that way.
I also wanted to order a custom window so i would not have to enlarge the rough opening. I bookmarked the web site so some day I can change all the vents and bring my flood insurance down from $2200.00 a year to $600.00.
Well, the fact is, a HOLE in the foundation is STATIC, and self-operating ! If the correct square inches of vents will get you a better flood insurance rate, just remove some of the CMU block in select locations. And insulate the pipes.
You have to submit photos of your openings to FEMA through the Direct-writing Insurance Company.
With the money you will save on Flood Insurance Premium, you can buy the SmartVents. The 8 x 16 size is excellent.
Greg
Thanks again Greg,I will look in to it. I wonder how well the vents seal up. If they are tight like a window then I will start chipping away at the foundation.Danny
since a normal window and frame will give about 3-1/2" on each side, you would not have any room left for the glass.
You will need to just make one with plexiglass
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Thanks Piffin,If I don't go with a vent then I will build one
Lot of options open to you now thanks to the mastermind of breaktime
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I whole heartily agree!Thanks again.
To echo what Piffin said, sometimes we use 10" tall transoms above bath tub/shower units so that it can still fit below the 8' ceiling with a 2x4 header. Without measuring the glass they can't have more than about 5" of glass showing, so a 8" tall one would likely have maybe 3" of glass...
Really - I don't understand why you want glass. Seems like you wouldn't get much insulation value out of that. A typical big box window is probably around R-3. I'd be thinking azek frame, some kind of sheet material and a pc of foam board.
Thanks, MattI will end up building one. I have no preference for glass. I was just looking to order a unit a pop it in place. i realize now that building it will give me a better option.
I'd think that if you mulled it over a little you could design something with a "remote control" via a lever or whatnot.
As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
When they used to allow electrical masts to be placed inside exterior walls here some houses had their meter inset in a small box with an operable window that provided access for servicing. It was a very elegant and practical solution.
I know I'm going against the prevailing opinion on this but I think an operable aluminum window provides a good solution to your problem. Crawlspace doors, hatches and other covers usually don't look good or work well when builders make them. They are always the weak point on a house's exterior.
>>Crawlspace doors, hatches and other covers usually don't look good or work well when builders make them
The one he is talking about is under a 3' high deck.
"The one he is talking about is under a 3' high deck."
The place that builders notoriously think they can neglect to paint, cover with flashing instead of siding and hide their ugly hatches and covers. The usual remedy is then to fill in between the posts with floppy lattice and leave it to the squirrels and coons :)
>>The place that builders notoriously think they can neglect to paint, cover with flashing instead of siding and hide their ugly hatches and covers. The usual remedy is then to fill in between the posts with floppy lattice and leave it to the squirrels and coons :)
Couldn't agree more.
>> Crawlspace doors, hatches and other covers usually don't look good or work well when builders make them. They are always the weak point on a house's exterior. <<
Guess you haven't seen any of mine. I know what you mean to a point though. Just strike the word "always".
Of course, this thing is under a deck. I think appearance is a non-issue.
As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
I can understand wanting to install something that is all ready to go.
BTW - My building supply builds CS doors to order, and you can get them weatherstripped for sealed crawl spaces - which it sounds like were you are headed. They are actually quite nice units and made mostly of Azek (celular PVC). I'm thinking a ~30"x40" is around $120. Might want to try that angle...
If you build your own, some of that celular PVC jamb material they sell at the big box might be something that would be in your materials purchase. It has the grove in it to accept the standard door weatherstrip.
Matt, Thanks I have some Azek in my shed left over from a window frame I made for the interior of my bathroom. I guess this weekend I will be doing some milling and making up a cover.Danny
I have no idea what is there now . Just an opening? Screened? One of those vent blocks with a pattern in that looks pretty and lets all the critters in?
Anyway , seems like a lot of work to make and fit a window.
Why not just cut a piece of rigid foam insulation to fit the opening?