Ok well I'm starting to feel like I may be talking to myself!!
The shell construction has just started and I currently have a big hole at the bottom of my garden! Anyhow I have a question regarding my exterior window...
Although the window isn't shown on the exterior wall it will be on my next revision of the plans. After reading Rod's book regarding window design I saw a post on Gearslutz saying that he recommends using a prebuilt exterior window rather than DIY...unfortunately I've just ordered my glazing for both windows so now I'm committed to a DIY/custom solution.
I've ordered 2 panes of 25mm laminated glass (1000mm x 1000mm)
It might be overkill but the price seemed good and I'm looking for as much isolation as possible.
So my question is regarding the design of an exterior fixed window. I'm thinking a simple and very strong hardwood frame with protruding cill (mortise tenon joinery), with timber stops either side of the glass set on neoprene with glazing tape to seal. Does this seem like a sensible approach? I've googled a great deal into this subject but this combination of glass thickness doesn't seem to be anywhere near the norm for any DIY info for an exterior window! Any input or help with this would be greatly appreciated. I may consider custom built aluminium frames if this is too tricky to DIY with hardwood.
Not sure I can offer much help on your window sealing (I found your post looking for more info), but I am curious to see how you got on with Diomet. I am thinking of using the same, just a bit weary that it might not be sufficiently clear.
I am currently mid way though a build in Crouch Hill, so good to have someone searching for similar suppliers nearby.
I've just installed my exterior window and the glass seems great to me...I thought it might have a slight green tint but now that it's in I'm happy. PM me your email address and I'll send you some photos and if you'd like to visit for an inspection you'll be pleased to know I'm about 20mins drive from you if you catch the traffic right!
For anyone interested I've glazed the window using a combination of Butyl glazing tape and Silfix U9 clear silicone with a belt and braces extra bead of silicone externally. I'm thinking of doing a separate build thread as my shell is pretty much complete however the complete lack of interest in my design stage isn't inspiring me much! I would really like some input if possible please?
I'm just about to build the exterior door which will be a Super Door style arrangement, once that is complete I'm going to test the soundproofing of the shell before putting any holes in the walls for fixings, electrics etc. I've been led to believe that I will need some form of ventilation for the cavity and roof space of the building, does anyone have an idea of how to achieve this without sacrificing soundproofing?
I'm thinking some kind of silencer for the vents like mini plenums maybe?
bukarin wrote:
For anyone interested I've glazed the window using a combination of Butyl glazing tape and Silfix U9 clear silicone with a belt and braces extra bead of silicone externally. I'm thinking of doing a separate build thread as my shell is pretty much complete however the complete lack of interest in my design stage isn't inspiring me much! I would really like some input if possible please?
I don't have anything useful to add but thought I would mention that I would love to see some pictures of your doors and windows as I am going to be doing that quite soon as well and the idea of building an external door is making me nervous.
I'm also nervous about the door but I'm following the superdoor concept and adding a few standard exterior door features. The door frame is all built from hardwood and will have a protruding door cill and of course lots of acoustic seals which are of course are also weather seals. The door itself is a 54mm FD60 solid core door with a plywood face. I'm just researching some extra drip channels/rain bar for the door.
