I’ll be replacing louvre style windows that are in my washroom. I’d like to build windows that slide horizontally in the space where each louvre window set is encased–about 36″ by 36″.
I can build the frames and glaze them fair enough but how about the hardware (e.g., sliding mechanism, rails, etc.)?
Any leads?
I want to replace two louvre window sets.
Thanks!
Replies
Think this one thru. Those little details you mention are quite the trick to install so they will function properly for a long time. Usually seals and weatherstripping are installed in little grooves that are difficult to duplicate without the correct cutters, but it is not that bad since you are only building sliders. I dont know what part of the country you live in, but if you have winter, I would not install a slider ever.
Brad
I live in southern california.
Winters never really go below 50 degrees or so.
Does this help?
Yes, sliders would seem fine unles you are concerned with heat infilitration. In winter climates they tend to freeze up and dont work reliably always. Well, some manuf anyway. I would suggest you do some reading on the woodweb for some tips regarding window building. Thats where the re-production type guys seem to be. I know a few who do build windows, but do not have any experience in building windows myself so I am not of much help. I can say I was cautioned against building my own passage doors, but did anyway and learned exactly how much work goes into their construction.
Good luck.
Humidity can also prevent wooden parts from sliding easily. Would you consider a casement style window instead? Robert Lang has a detail of all the parts (including interior and exterior framing) for casement windows in his book "Shop Dawings for Craftsman Interiors. He details both casements that open in and that open out. Here's a link to the amazon entry: http://www.amazon.com/Shop-Drawings-Craftsman-Interiors-Built-Ins/dp/1892836165/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210739671&sr=8-1
Are you really set on building these windows? Windows are hard to get right, sliders especialy so. A set of aluminum-clad wood windows from Weather Shield will last a very long time, and will work far better than anything you can build for a reasonable cost in a reasonable amount of time.
-Steve
I'm really set.
I've got an old house.
Aluminum windows would be entirely out of character.I suppose I could go to a window and door shop for some leads.
Aluminum-clad wood windows don't look like aluminum windows. You can also get commercially-made all-wood windows. If you're willing to pay, you can get them in pretty much any species of wood, with pretty much any style of trim you can think of.
-Steve
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