Hello Collective Mind, I am in the process of constructing a new building. The design is a simple low-pitched roof structure with gable ends. The gable ends are open and will have larger clerestory windows. And therein lies my dilemma, I am having difficulties finding a window manufacturer to make one of the trapezoids that will fill in the gable end. In the attached picture the rough opening on the right has a vertical height of about 39″ on one leg of the trapezoid and a vertical height of 5″ on the other leg. The overall width is 115″.
I have contacted all the major window manufacturers and none of them can make the window because the smaller leg is below their minimum length which is around 6″.
Does anyone have any suggestions? If it comes down to it I am open to fabricating my own windows but I’d rather avoid that route if I can.
Replies
What window companies told you that they couldn't make a trap window with a 5" vertical? I have seen dozens of traps from many different companies that were less than 5" even down to virtual triangles, so not sure why you are having issues finding a window company to supply that shape. That design is known as a shape 3 in the glass/window catalog that all glass and window companies in North America use to define window shapes.
Do you have a window material preference?
Hi, thanks for the reply. My go to is typically Marvin and they have a minimum of 6” length across all their lines. And in their Elevate line they have a width restriction of 109”. So I had to rule them out. I get the same responses from Anderson and Pella. I’ve also been looking into lesser known manufacturers like Alpen and Schuco. It seems the restriction from most companies (when it comes to vinyl and fiberglass) is they cannot get their equipment into that tight of a space to do the welding. Triangular windows are a different assembly process and in my case I’d have to make some major framing alterations.
I have been retired for a few years so no longer in the loop, but I am thoroughly surprised that all of those guys, especially Marvin have a 6" restriction. I can see why fiberglass might be a concern due to how the corners are constructed, but vinyl welds must be limited by the dimensions of the welder. Weird because I do remember them going smaller in the past, but none of that helps you.
Did Andersen specifically limit their 100 series? Although the length might be an issue there, possibly the 6" limit might also be related to the length as well? But again that doesn't help.
I would suggest that you check with Kolbe, they might be able to help with their Forgent product. Forgent uses Glastra, a fiberglass variant that they own the patent on. https://www.kolbewindows.com/windows
Schuco is European, and while there is certainly nothing wrong in going that direction, the hassle of doing so for a single custom window might be rough.
If you are west coast, or close, I would look at Anlin. Southeast possibly PGT.
If in a warm climate possibly thermally broken aluminum might be an option?
For more replies you might also post your question over on Green Building Advisor, which is also part of the Fine Homebuilding family.
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/qa
I'd just make a nice cedar frame and install an insulated glass unit. It'll be cheap and work just fine. If the issue is really just 1" and you can get a manufactured window why not just fill in a little bit of the bottom right corner. Adding 1 2x4 would get you to 6".
Could you just get the window with a 6" leg and frame in the rest?