Ask the Millwork Man your window and door questions!

[jmowreader]

In honor of some recent DIY threads, please post your burning questions about windows (the non-Microsoft kind) and doors.

[dweller]

1. How difficult is it

to build window 'frames'? I have windows, tracks, but not the frame itself. I saw the sills at the local DIY store, so can buy that, but the rest of it...are there simple plans available? I've looked but without much luck. I've studied existing windows structure at the DIY store, and they don't seem like it would be that difficult to fashion a frame.

I plan to construct a bay window with 2 double hung, and 2 solid lights to each side. So, what am i getting in to?

thanks for any info.
dp

[jmowreader]

3. It's a straight framing job, not difficult...

I've never seen a plan for a "bay window," but have seen (though don't have a link to) plans for a greenhouse window.

The two most critical parts of a bay/bow window are the framing under it (that holds it up) and the framing over it (that holds the little roof for it). Lag screws and Simpson Strong Ties are your friends. You'll want to cut some 2x6s at a 45-degree angle and wedge them between the bottom of the bay window system and the side of the house.

The construction sequence is pretty simple: bottom framing, window framing, top framing, close in the top and bottom, then install the windows. Build it on the house, don't build it on the ground then install it because you'll need ten strong men or a crane to put it up.

[Bertha Venation]

2. re double-glazed window

We had the outer sheet of a double-glazed window broken by a hailstone in a tornado a couple of years ago. Is there a problem with leaving it unreplaced as long as we have?

[jmowreader]

4. Just insulation...

The second pane is there to slow down heat transmission. You can use the window with one sheet of glass, but you'll want to replace the whole unit (or just the sash, if you've got windows that allow that) eventually.

In tornado country, I'd consider replacing it with a tempered window. Better impact resistance.

[Bertha Venation]

5. Thank you.

I'm not sure if we're really in "tornado country;" we're in Southern Maryland -- remember the one that went through Charles County, specifically the town of La Plata, in April '02? That was the one. The broken window and a few punched vinyl panels were our only damage. We were beyond lucky.

[jmowreader]

6. I don't think that's "tornado country"

Tornado country to me is Kansas. But we've had them in NC, so anything's possible.