The Log house Project begins........

[firefighter9208]

Those modular windows are Anderson 400 series. That size(which is what I need would be way over my budget since they are framed windows. I am going to stick with double glass/argon which is a lot cheaper. I might go to Knoxville this week and look at the salvage places there, sometimes they have big unusual windows cheap.

I hate to tell y'all, but the "Mopar Star" still looks ok to me

I would be careful with the "salvage" double pane argon windows. Our firehall was built in 1984. Last year we had to replace the windows (argon double pane) because the argon had leaked out and the space between the panes had turned solid white. You couldn't even see through the windows and they looked really bad. They had been like this for several years.

I don't know if the technology is any better today, but we just installed plain double pane windows and skipped the argon.

Maybe Eddie can tell you if the technology has gotten any better????

Chris

 

[MotorSeven]

FF, no I don't think technology has gotten better. All the places I called will only give a 5 year warranty on that(argon leaking/discoloration). So I guess it's a crap shoot...

Oh, and HEY I HAVE ANOTHER DESIGN......what, was that a {groan} I heard from y'all:laughing:

Anyway, this one is cleaner, and works for us better than the Mopar Star. The red lines are the outlines of the actual glass panels. I should have a firm quote from the glass place by tomorrow.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

There used to be an Alenco window factory in Bryan TX. that would sell factory "seconds" in a barn across from the factory. Maybe if someone knows of a window factory near you that does the same, you could get some decent prices on some. Irregular shaped windows are $$$

Sure hope your kid or grandkids or nephews or whatever don't have any BB/pellet guns....

In order to keep my money and my sanity, I would try to fit the simplest rectangular shaped cut glass or even framed windows. You could put some stained glass in some of them for artistic effect when looking outward. Add 3M solar tinting as preferred after seeing your lighting conditions. Here I go again with my 2 cents...

 

[tnmike]

I like the latest window design better than the mopar one.

 

[EddieWalker]

I've only had one double pane window lose it's seal and fog up on me. It was my big picture window. I called McCoys, the store I bought it from and they gave me the number for the window company. A guy came out and measred the window, then called when the replacement was ready. He used a heat gun to soften the silicone seal and then the glass came right out. He put in the replacement, which looked like two pieces of glass with something wraped around the ends of the glass. Kind of plastic looking. He sealed it up and it's been great.

On something important like a big picture window, I don't know how comfortable I would feel buying second hand or used. It's a gamble that may or may not pay off. The question is if the price is so cheap that you are willing to take the risk of having to replace it or hire it to be fixed?

As for the new plan, it's your house and you have to look at it. Like most everybody else, I think you are blocked because of that "crows foot" thing that you like so much. If you got rid of it and had an open space to deal with, I think you would find that it will be a lot easier to find a window combination that looks really nice.

Eddie

 

[MotorSeven]

"As for the new plan, it's your house and you have to look at it. Like most everybody else, I think you are blocked because of that "crows foot" thing that you like so much. If you got rid of it and had an open space to deal with, I think you would find that it will be a lot easier to find a window combination that looks really nice."

Ed, you are exactly right, I have stuck myself...or should I say knee braced myself into a corner?. But, I have is something that works keeping the weight off the center of the door. Yes, it's busy, but it would entail a lot of work to change it and at this point in my build I am not willing to do that because the multiple panes up there just don't bother me. So, I want to stick with something that works even though it looks the way it does. We have discussed this before, but I have 3 major structural things here that back each other up: Center ridge supports(3), Collar ties(3) and Tie poles(3). I get the warm and fuzzys knowing that my walls can't push out, and the ridge can't come down. Did I over do things? ...more than likely...kinda like a belt and suspenders on a pair of overalls:laughing:

I sat down with my neighbor who does construction and also worked for a glass company for 8 years. We went over the last design(#355?) and he said those angles on the bottom side and angles going into the glass(the two bottom sections)won't work with insulated/tempered glass. Also angles on the bottom of the two big top windows are a no no. We called the company he used to work for and talked to the owner who confirmed what he said. It has been attempted, but they found that rapid temperature changes will cause it to shatter at the points on the glass where holes are drilled when cutting those angles(bottom panes).

So, after all this I went up there today and installed 2 - 4x6 Hemlock braces horizontally across the top of the crows foot. This gives me 4 not so huge sections of glass that I can manage & install myself that are structurally proper. The glass is on order, including the side light glass for the two french doors....I gotta get moving here, I feel like my wheels have been spinning....I know, self inflicted

Here is the drawing pic, actual photo to follow:

 

[EddieWalker]

...or should I say knee braced myself into a corner?. But, I have is something that works keeping the weight off the center of the door. Yes, it's busy, but it would entail a lot of work to change it and at this point in my build I am not willing to do that because the multiple panes up there just don't bother me. So, I want to stick with something that works even though it looks the way it does. We have discussed this before, but I have 3 major structural things here that back each other up: Center ridge supports(3), Collar ties(3) and Tie poles(3). I get the warm and fuzzys knowing that my walls can't push out, and the ridge can't come down. Did I over do things? ...more than likely...kinda like a belt and suspenders on a pair of overalls:laughing:

Not true. You don't need the braces or the center post. You can easily transfer the load that you have on your ride beam outside the area you have designated for the window. It wouldn't take a day to do, and you wouldn't lose any strength. In fact, I think that your design is flawed because of what you are using as a header below the post, and if you changed where you carried your load out past the opening below, it would be stonger.

Eddie

 

[tony Cecil]

Some good advice Eddie-----Motor7 You have worked so hard, and accomplished this whole project yourself, with very little help, so it is hard to just read and not have an opinion....Spend the extra time and you will be the beneficiary.....Tony

 

[MotorSeven]

Guys, we have hashed this out and re-hashed that hash, so no we have has-bean hash:laughing:. I agree we disagree, and I am moving forward. I really do appreciate all the info and discussion, now it is all moot....the glass is ordered and en-route

As soon as the rain stops{sigh} I have to wade through my cluttered shop with my tractor to sling my Hearthstone stove off the forks and move it up to the house basement....all of my 8" flue pipe is in:thumbsup:

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Guys, we have hashed this out and re-hashed that hash, so no we have has-bean hash:laughing:. I agree we disagree, and I am moving forward. I really do appreciate all the info and discussion, now it is all moot....the glass is ordered and en-route

As soon as the rain stops{sigh} I have to wade through my cluttered shop with my tractor to sling my Hearthstone stove off the forks and move it up to the house basement....all of my 8" flue pipe is in:thumbsup:

I'm looking forward to seeing that finished window.