Browse Forums Windows & Doors 1 Aug 13, 2010 12:28 pm Last week I went on holidays and stayed at a lovely house that had large windows all around. It got me to thinking that my new house would look good with big windows. There are a few issues involved though. Will they cost more or less? Will I be able to open them? I am going to have PVC double glazed windows. Any advice on the pros and cons would be appreciated. Currently the design calls for front windows 2400mm wide x 1600mm high with 3 sashes. The back windows are 3000mm wide x 1500mm high and 1800mm wide x 1500mm high. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Large WIndows 2Aug 16, 2010 9:04 am A simple question that needs a complicated answer. A major influence on window size is the N rating, or terrain category, of your proposed build. Add to that the energy rating for the design and orientation. Generally larger windows require thicker glass, so thick sometimes that a crane is required to lift glass into the opening on site. (A window which has mullions and transoms [vertical and horizontal dividers] may cost $2000, but in a single piece of glass could cost $20,000.) And of course the glass thickness limits what is achievable with double glazing. Then comes the frame material. It is critical that the frame will support the weight of the glass. And of course, opening windows are required to support the weight also, as are the hardware such as hinges and winders. You really need to submit your sizes to a manufacturer who will advise what is achievable at what cost. We supply PVC and aluminium, so I can say without bias that aluminium will allow you more freedom on size. Ed "ECOECO" At 'EcoEco', we design windows, we design the best windows, we do it for you, so that when you’re happy we are happy. Tel. 1800 326 326 Re: Large WIndows 4Aug 17, 2010 5:34 pm Hi Elephant guy, if you are thinking about large windows in uPVC, try to restrict them to being fixed. Operable windows have maximum weight limitations that mostly relate to the ease of operation and hardware recommendations. Ed is definitely correct regarding the cost impact on heavy panes that may need crane assistance. We were recently faced with manufacturing a 2400H by 5000W fixed window. The rest of the house was double glazed but to solve this particular pane, we proposed four panels of 10mm laminated performance glass that were clear silicone butt-joined. As this home was in a remote area, the crane costs from supplier to installation would have been cost prohibitive. Breaking the panes into 4 sections enabled us to maintain logistic control of the entire job and minimised the blow out of any crane costs. Use of clear butt joins was a pragmatic trade off. A good starting point would be to take Eds advice and give a uPVC fabricator a wish list. Then ask for a range of outcomes from the panoramic to the pragmatic. Good Luck, Brad -------- Re: Large WIndows 6Aug 19, 2010 8:04 pm Visionarii Brad We were recently faced with manufacturing a 2400H by 5000W fixed window. The rest of the house was double glazed but to solve this particular pane, we proposed four panels of 10mm laminated performance glass that were clear silicone butt-joined. A good solution. But remember that a window this size will leak conducted heat at a rate of 68 watts/degree celsius in clear and 42 watts in Low-E. Not to mention the solar heat gain. Plus, you need 5% of your floorspace as ventilation. But a good solution otherwise. Ed "ECOECO" At 'EcoEco', we design windows, we design the best windows, we do it for you, so that when you’re happy we are happy. Tel. 1800 326 326 consider putting in wall WC instead of robe in the same bedroom, then it might be doable to hook up to the existing piping. 4 6633 4 4499 Hi all, My first post, we are building a house and can’t decide the layout of the lounge room. We have a large N/W facing window and are wanting to have a wood slow… 0 13729 |