Adding windows to garage?

[Viper98912]

Hello GJ'ers!

I have a detached 2-car garage that has a finished exterior (hardie plank) but unfinished interior (just studs and electrical).

I've been wondering if it'd be possible to put in some small daylight windows to brighten up the interior a little bit. For simplicity, I'd like to put these small windows between the studs (16" o/c) and I don't need them to open or anything, they're strictly just for some natural light.

I've never added any windows to a house (yet), so I'm looking for some advice/guidance on potential issues with flashing, etc? Is it possible to do this without pulling all the siding off?

Thanks

 

[Kevkx125]

Can't really help with your ? but wait some one will have the right advise. I would think some simple framing is whats needed.

 

[didit]

I put in a couple of glass block windows to let in the natural light. You can have them pre-built to your specification of style and finished size and install them yourself. Not difficult to install, just heavy. I did mine all from the inside. I did double up the studs to support the weight. I like them a lot.

My exterior is brick and I replaced an existing single large double pane window. It was as easy as building my rough opening, lifting the glass block assemblies, insulating and putting a vapor barrier before drywall on the inside and trimming the outside with aluminum and caulking. Had it all done in a day other than the drywall. Had some burly kids do the heavy lifting.

 

[couch67]

yep if you are installing in between existing studs, super easy. Just nail blocking between the studs and cut out the opening. As for flashing, depends on the molding on the window and where you are putting them. How high up are you putting the windows in? If its up high under the eaves, this might simplify the installation.

 

[CraigStu]

The hardie siding I think actually makes this easy. Note that I haven't done this but looked into buying houses w/ hardie siding vs regular vinyl siding. W/ vinyl the edges around your window would usually be done w/ J molding. The J molding is nailed on first and then the siding slides into the J and covers the nail area. That is hard to do after the fact. But the hardie siding ran right up to the edge of the window trim and was caulked w/ matching color caulk. So if you cut through the siding right at the edge of your stud, you could trim the opening w/ a 1x6 where the outer edge is just a little proud of the thickest part of the hardie. Then caulk the siding to the 1x6. Also look at the different types of windows. There are new construction and replacement styles. I can't explain the difference so best to go look at them to see how they will best fit into the opening and mate w/ the siding..

 

[Falcon67]

Not sure you can find 14 1/2" wide windows. Just cut things to fit a common 24" x ? and frame from the inside.

The header I used is overkill, but had the scrap lumber to use up. My studs are 24" OC, windows are 24x36

 

[nadogail]

With enough time, money, and stubbornness anything can be possible. You can build any size window frame you want, get glass cut to fit, and call it a custom job.

How long can a job take, we don't know. An example I like is a student asked the Geology Professor; How long did it take the Colorado River to make the Grand Canyon? The Professor answered; We don't know, it's not done yet.

If I were to add windows to the garage we are discussing, I would make the frames from Azec (sp?) and fasten them together with stainless steel screws.

Go for it and enjoy the windows.

 

[jetnow1]

Rather than windows to fit between studs 14 1/2 between, with window frame you would have less than 1 foot of glass. Put two spaces together, simply cut one stud and use a jack
stud/header as shown above. Would give you a lot more light, very little additional work.
Probably could get stock windows, usually a little cheaper also. Be sure to wear face mask
when cutting the Hardie siding.

 

[John in OH]

Rather than windows to fit between studs 14 1/2 between, with window frame you would have less than 1 foot of glass. Put two spaces together, simply cut one stud and use a jack
stud/header as shown above. Would give you a lot more light, very little additional work.
Probably could get stock windows, usually a little cheaper also. Be sure to wear face mask
when cutting the Hardie siding.

This idea of using two stud spaces is really a good idea and, as described, is really pretty simple to accomplish.

 

[ddawg16]

That is what I did for the 2nd floor of my garage....a couple of plain Jane windows from HD....they have a size just for sitting between standard stud spacing.

A little advice...get some that can open.....You might be glad for the air flow.

As it is, a summer time project for my son and I....we are going to pull off the vinyl on the outside, take out those windows and install new windows that open....we need the air flow up there.....seeing how he has turned it into his teenager cave.

I'll be installing LP Smartside in place of the vinyl....I hate vinyl....

In your case....when you say Hardi plank....I'm assuming the cement board? If so, be cognizant of a few issues. It takes a special blade to cut the stuff. You will need to cut back enough so you can properly flash the window and then add trim.

I would suggest looking at the install instructions for the Hardi. It's good stuff and I 'was' going to use it when I refaced the front of my house. Instead I used LP Smartside.

Flashing is VERY important.

 

[Lynden]

Have you watched any YouTube videos? Here's one that is pretty good (other videos are listed on the right side of the webpage).

-- first of a 3-part series