Pole Barn: windows, doors, siding..

cowboydoc · May 10, 2004

I'll get some pics on one of my barns. All I do is slip the j channel right up under the steel and screw it on. On the newer barns the j-channel is built right into the doors and windows and it's even easier. I'll try to get some pics and show you.

Robert_in_NY · May 11, 2004

You put the screws for the metal thru the J channel as well. That way one screw holds the metal and the J channel.

mopower440 · May 11, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You put the screws for the metal thru the J channel as well. That way one screw holds the metal and the J channel. )</font>
ahhh, ok, now i see, so that doesnt matter, i understand the j-channel now, but as for windows and doors, if they are new construction, they need to go on before the siding though, right, because they have that flange that nails onto the RO framing?

mopower440 · May 14, 2004

went to the place i got my metal siding, he has some nice windows with the J-channel built in them, and i like that idea, BUT, the doors he has doesnt have the J-channel built in, or any doors ive found around here, wich means i would have to buy the J-channel separate for the door, no big deal BU it wont match the J-channel around the windows exactly, so, bad idea or what do you think?

Robert_in_NY · May 16, 2004

The J channel on the windows is designed as part of the window so it just looks like window trim. The fact that you have to buy J channel for the door is a moot point and should not matter. We have never heard anyone complain about the channels around doors not matching the channel of the windows. If it bothers you then you can go with a window without built in J but I don't see where it would make a difference.

mopower440 · May 16, 2004

yeah, i figured that, it will look fine, so i am going to get those windows, but my next question is how do you come up with how big to cut the hole out in the tin for the window..if you just lay the tin up on the wall where its supposed to be and trace the window out on the tin and cut it, the hole will be too big by a little bit because the metal needs to go into the built in J-channel...???

Robert_in_NY · May 16, 2004

Measure the insides of the J channel and add a 1/2 inch to give you a quater inch gap on all sides.

mopower440 · May 17, 2004

so in other words, install the window into the building, then lay the metal up into place completely covering the window, then trace around the window on the back of the metal from inside the building, then from the lines i trace, add 1/2", making the square trace out smaller? Is this correct?

Robert_in_NY · May 17, 2004

I think you are making this much harder then it really is. I would suggest you install the windows into the rough openings and then cut and install the siding afterwards. Either way it will get done but I think you understand the one way a lot better then the other. It is hard to describe building practices, it is easier to show someone. Sorry I could not be more helpful but I am afraid you will make a mistake if you try to put the windows in afterwards and then it is harder to fix (especially if you cut a hole too big). Maybe someone else here is better at explaining things then I am but either way good luck on it but don't try to make things complicated. Simple is always the best way.

mopower440 · May 17, 2004

Robert, that is the way i am speaking of doing it, installing the windows first, then the siding, but i cant get it in my head how to cut the tin out whn i install it to fit inside the built in J-channel..