Windows for tube steel

[floridaman]

I'm about done with county approvals for my 2x2 tube steel shop. Because I'm going to have a small apartment within, windows and doors throughout need to be residential grade. I've searched but have come up short, and Google gives me an absolute flood of sponsored ads that are zero help.

Mainly I'm trying to determine what style of window I can mount up. I see references to "flanged windows" but I'm still not able to match that to something I'm sure will work. I've gotten at least one quote that seems steep, and before I go much further I could use some help from anyone that has been down the same path for windows. Any guidance is appreciated!

 

[Old tool guy]

Because I'm going to have a small apartment within, windows and doors throughout need to be residential grade.

Close. They have to meet residential egress codes. All commercial doors are good, since they are typically 36”. It’s the windows you have to watch out for, there is a minimum size so a fireman can climb in.

 

[floridaman]

Thanks, already set on sizes, and your recommendation is accounted for .

My question is more about the window and how it mounts to the wall/steel tube frame. Most everything I see for "residential" is designed to slide into and be attached to a wood framed wall. Windows for steel buildings seem to be limited to "shed" style.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

You pose an interesting question I had never considered. Are there windows and doors made specifically for installation in steel tube frame buildings? Everything I am familiar with involves adding wood framing to which the doors and windows are attached.

 

[floridaman]

I have a quote from a guy who quoted me $4.2k for 9 single hung windows with installation. He asked about the building and when I described the 2x2 tubing he was very familiar and got specific for how the windows would need to be installed to make sure they didn't leak. I don't want to cheap out, but I do want to see if there are DIY options.

 

[CraigStu]

What type of siding will the building have? Since it so often has vertical ridges/valleys it is more difficult to seal than standard 2x4 wood construction. But still, plenty of steel buildings have windows so how do they attach. I don't know the details but I believe the code mainly deals w/ minimum size. Are there also specs as to how it opens?

 

[Old tool guy]

I have a quote from a guy who quoted me $4.2k for 9 single hung windows with installation.

$460 per window, installed. Not a bad price.

 

[nadogail]

Your local full service lumber yard might be helpful in locating windows.

 

[readhead]

Residential flanged windows are installed in metal buildings every day. Generally installed with low profile lathe screws. J trim is installed over the flanges and caulked as required.
Another option and the one I prefer is to remove the flanges and screw through the frames. I usually install the windows flush with the face of framing. The windows are caulked in similar to storefront windows.
In short there is nothing special about windows installed in metal buildings.

 

[Rusted Nut]

Residential flanged windows are installed in metal buildings every day. Generally installed with low profile lathe screws. J trim is installed over the flanges and caulked as required.
Another option and the one I prefer is to remove the flanges and screw through the frames. I usually install the windows flush with the face of framing. The windows are caulked in similar to storefront windows.
In short there is nothing special about windows installed in metal buildings.

This!

You may have to build some light guage framing for the windows between the tube steel, depending on your tube steel spacing.

 

[jack stand]

Yeah I think it's more of a "framing" issue of the opening than a window type/style.
You'll end up stimulating wood framing, not as simple with a "tube" structure in terms of materials and fastening it together.

 

[floridaman]

Yep. All good info, thanks!

 

[d300]

If you want/need to leave the flange on the window then just weld in a 1" angle to the inside of the metal frame opening. This would also allow you to set the window proud of the tube if trim dictated.
You can also have vinyl windows made to any dimensions so you can have them made for a very snug fit into the tube opening and then just set them with sealant, no fasteners needed. All of the windows in my ICF house are set this way including a 5x8 picture window so, yeah, it works.