Installing windows in a metal workshop

[newbury]

I've some workshops:

One has an "apartment" in the rear and the outside walls are like the white wall on the left in the picture:

It needs more windows added.

I've got windows taken out from a remodel, with the frames etc.

I'm thinking I could just cut an appropriate sized hole a 2x4 thickness above the lower horizontal beam and build a simple 2x4 frame, with appropriate flashing to hold the windows. Then screw that and the windows into the siding.

Does this sound like a good way to proceed?

 

[Alan L.]

I hope to save you some trouble. Go with windows designed for the building, they will seal properly with the skin on the outside. I used conventional windows in my metal building with living quarters, mounted to "2 by" frames. Because there is no way to properly seal the outside the skin they leak like crazy around the outside of the windows. Better to mount the windows to the skin is itself, sealed from the outside. I regret the way I did it, and there really is no fix.

 

[KYErik]

I did something similar. I traced the window's outline onto the backside of the metal, cut the hole the hole in the metal really close to the window size for a good tight fit (not over 1/8" gap) then attached the window to a wood frame and inserted it into the back side of the metal hole so that the outer edge of the window frame was sticking out a little farther than the ribs. Then I caulked the 1/16- 1/8" gap around the window shut. I used silicone caulk, but butyl caulk would have been better.

The vinyl window frame will have to be thick enough to stick out a little past the ribs to get everything sealed up properly. I don't think you would ever be able to get a thin storm window/thin flanged window up sealed up properly- the vinyl window frame will have to be at least 3/4" thick (to stick out past the ribs).