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Ganging a window manufacturer's standard units can create a dramatic wall of glass.
Photo courtesy of Pella
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By Wayne A. Endicott
Replacing windows stands high on any list of remodeling projects. Increasingly, customers are asking for their remodelers to find ways to let more light into the interior of their homes or take advantage of existing views by increasing the window areas.
One way to accomplish this task is to fabricate custom windows, but that can be a budget-buster--and maybe a deal breaker-- for many clients. A more economical solution is to combine standard window sizes and shapes to create a wall of glass. "Using standard windows and ganging them offers a simple way to dramatically change the appearance of a home--both inside and outside," says Brian Leckie, president of Aspen Exteriors (Palatine, Ill.).
Ganging windows is not as hard as it might seem, says Brian, whose company is a distributor and contractor for many of the nation's leading window manufacturers. As with all remodeling projects, however, planning is crucial.
"Increasing the opening size for windows is a fairly simple task that can become complicated if you don't take into account the fact that there may be hidden problems in the wall," he says."You are always going to find surprises behind the wall." A careful survey of the existing installations can minimize these problems.
Once the opening is made large enough to accept the new windows, the rest of the job is fairly standard. The most important part of the task is to remove the existing header and replace it. If you widen the opening, the new header may need to be more substantial: a 2x8, a 2x10, or even a glue-lam beam or a steel lintel, depending on the span. Most books about framing contain engineering tables to help you determine tell you what you need.
Stacking the windows usually is not a problem, he adds: "They are strong enough to carry the weight of resting one on top of the other."
You can even use the existing header, if it's still in good shape. The biggest potential difficulty lies in the possibility that the windows might bow outward or inward. Brian says that window manufacturers can provide guidance as to whether mull strips will be needed between individual windows units to prevent flex or bulge and will provide them if necessary.
An important thing to keep in mind when offering a client any kind of large window area: Glass is not a very good insulator. The most beautiful wall of windows ever created will become a problem if it permits too much heat into or out of the room. Be sure to talk to your client about the need to choose windows that are rated for energy efficiency in your climate.
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