Metal Building question regarding doors/windows

[MikeN]

Hey all you metal building builders

Was curious how easy it is to add windows or doors to a metal building structure... Trying to figure out if I have to decide exactly what windows I want to use before putting up the building, or if I can add some of them later.

Thanks for any info, guidance, etc.

 

[600SL]

Hey all you metal building builders

Was curious how easy it is to add windows or doors to a metal building structure... Trying to figure out if I have to decide exactly what windows I want to use before putting up the building, or if I can add some of them later.

Thanks for any info, guidance, etc.

You can add them later. When I bought my kit, even though I ordered two man doors and 3 windows the kit came with all the sheet metal to cover these areas if I did not use them. Turns out I didn't use the windows and will be putting them on Craig's List shortly. These items were referred to as field installable.

For the Garage doors they have to go in as planed.

 

[gungatim]

it's pretty easy IMO. On the rear of my steel building, I took out a window and put a service door in it's place. took just a few hours, unscrew a few pieces of siding, cut out the 2x4 stringer in the way, nail in a couple nailers in the side, nail in the door frame, use some snips to cut out the steel and re-screw it up. now if you didn't have an opening to begin with, you just choose where you want it and do the same thing, but you'll cut a horizontal stringer (they're usually 2' on center) and add some uprights, then nail on the window and re-trim.

 

[MikeN]

Interesting.... the buildings I've seen have had no 2x4's. And some have had steel beams to support the windows. That why I thought there would be issues.

 

[gungatim]

I assumed (probably incorrectly) you meant by steel building a regular pole barn with steel siding. That's what I was referring to with the 2x4's, they normally run horizontally across the poles and get framed out for doors/windows as needed

 

[MikeN]

Anyone else?

 

[jgorm]

My building came with supports designed around the windows. You can do anything, but it would be very difficult. Hopefully these pictures show up.

 

[600SL]

My building came with supports designed around the windows. You can do anything, but it would be very difficult. Hopefully these pictures show up.

When I ordered my building it had options for factory located or field located. I selected field located and they have no support structure like that around them. If I would have selected factory located. I believe I may have received the surrounding structure. My salesman recommended the field installed since I wasn't sure where I wanted them. Speak to your building supplier.

 

[MikeN]

Yea, that's what I assumed.... just curious how you would field install windows without those supports. Recommended method to do it, etc.

 

[readhead]

There are three ways to install a window in a metal building.

Self flashing windows do not require any framing. They can be located anywhere because they are attached to the siding only. They are the best sealing window. The downside is some people don't like that there is no framing around them and they are expensive.

Flanged windows like the ones for residential work require framed openings. The window is screwed to the framing and trim and siding is installed.

Insert windows also require framed openings. In this case the trim and siding is installed around the opening (different trim) and then the window is installed and caulked in.

Most of the time we install flanged windows in framed openings. If I was building my own building I would use self flashing windows and install a girt above and below the widow.