Crazy window idea

[giddonah]

Ok, this house has windows that are approximately 6' x 9' or more. custom windows were priced in the high thousands just for the first floor. Has anyone ever made their own double pane windows? Yeah, crazy has stopped by again. I'm thinking I might just be able to do it if you guys don't go off on me.

[giddonah]

here's my idea, I'll probably be able to use the existing window sashes.

[giddonah]

oops, double posted.

[Tom R]

Must'a been 15-20 years ago I made a few (sashes), - - but I was able to buy the glass envelopes already made (nowhere near 6X9, of course).

Can't really see makin them yourself, otherwise, - - unless the two panes are sealed and form a vaccuum, - - you'd be gettin' condensation and watermarks on the insides that you couldn't remove, - - but, hey, - - what do I know, - - maybe someone else has an idea.

[giddonah]

good point, I knew there would be problems with it. I'm hoping I can think of something to keep from dropping a $#*^ load on new windows. I should clarify this a bit. The 6'x9' openings are actually three windows, two normal sized windows and one huge one. I'll get a picture this weekend.

I'm not looking forward to either the expense or the work that it would take to put in new windows.

[giddonah]

to give you an idea, this is the second floor; the same size huge windows without the pair on the sides.

http://www.construction-resource.com/forum/files/hpim0020.jpg

[dhill]

Okay, I'm going to make some comments that are based on rationale, not necessarily industry standards. So if this is all off the wall, then mark it up as G's craziness lapping over to me. Why can't you put up a thick glass single pane window? We used to have one when I was a kid, that as I remember I only broke once :) If you seal around the window well enough, you're not going to get any air leaks there, thus insulation is not a factor. If you want to tint the window, it's easy to do. If you put in a curtin or blinds of some sort, it seems to me that they will offer some energy covering over the window also. Though this isn't going to get you the efficiency of argon gas in double pane windows, it's going to eliminate a substantial cost of a double paned window. Or, you can enclose part of that window space. If you're working with a 6x9 area, I would think it might be fairly simple to change the space and put in a conventional window. That certainly is going to change the looks of the house and may be completely unfeasible. If you want to get really crazy, why not do leaded glass windows for that truely rich look? I'm sure you can afford those. I see them all the time on the show houses in our show off neighborhood. In fact, a FLWright house there has a giant window in front that is leaded glass in diamond shaped units. I doubt that they siliconed the panes when they built that window. Probably used window putty. So what were you talking about Gid?

[Cole]

Dude, your crazy. :lol:

6'X9' :shock: :shock:

[giddonah]

Well, 6'x9' might be a bit of an exaggeration. Maybe 6'x5'. But they are huge, and there are a lot of them. I'll get some more pics up tomorrow. I was thinking of doing the double pane thing, but leaving some very small vents in them to keep them from fogging. I could also build them to come apart so I could clean them on all 4 sides. As a stop-gap measure last winter I made some quick indoor "storm" windows which were lexan framed in 1"x2"s. they made a bit of a difference. I just cringe at the thought of paying $10k for windows (or whatever outrageous amount) to redo the whole house when it's going to be an investment property. It would take forever to recoup that expense. Anyway, pics tomorrow. Maybe I could just get two std. windows and change the opening...

[Sweep]

There are companies in the Boston area that will take an old sash and add a second sheet of glass on the inside by cutting a new groove all around the sash. The heavier sash requires that the balance system be adjusted.

[roger g]

I understand up here in Canada you can get just the double paned sealed glass. I just bought another house and it has two windows where the seal is broken and a friend told me that he just went and got sealed glass and re-did his window. I hope what he tells me is true. I checked my windows and it looks like all I have to do it remove some moulding and pop the glass out ( I hope there isn't silicone)
Years ago i made some french doors which really are 2 big windows and they were quite easy to make. A window is only a frame with glass, though a moving window I would have to take a real hard look at.


roger