Windows

[Stillridin]

I'm looking at building a 40x48 pole building, in my back yard. 12 ft side walls, 2 10x13 panel doors on the gable end one side entry and 11 windows. I like light. Just looking to see what people have used and if you would do something different from what you've done. I've got 2 more days before I turn in my drawings so just looking for some suggestions before I do. And one other question. What if I choose a size window and than change the dimensions later, during construction? Would I get in trouble? Thanks

 

[rburke65]

If you have the money, you can change anything you want. Windows?..... I chose 2'x3' fixed thermo panes, and had them mounted at 8' up to the sill. I get light and unless ya bring a ladder, you're not breaking or looking in.

 

[Jlbc212]

Natural light is great, but when I built my garage, I opted to invest in electrically powered lights rather than windows. You'll need lights anyway to work on cloudy days or after the sun sets. Good windows are expensive. Windows often provide access for thiefs. Windows get dirty and will need to washed often to maintain their translucence.

 

[James-W]

Natural light is great, but when I built my garage, I opted to invest in electrically powered lights rather than windows. You'll need lights anyway to work on cloudy days or after the sun sets. Good windows are expensive. Windows often provide access for thieves. Windows get dirty and will need to washed often to maintain their translucence.

I agree, I only put in one window and that is so I could use a window air-conditioner. I use the lights all the time I am working in the garage, even in the daytime with the overhead door open.

 

[jives]

32 x 42 x 14. I put in 11 windows, plus windowed doors and carriage style garage doors
with windows. Looks better, matches the house better, like the views.

Then again, ran out of money to finish the electrical. . . no lights yet!

While working on the insulation:

 

[tjdux]

Most inspectors arent gonna be that picky for windows. I wouldn't worry about it

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[R6 Racer]

The shop I got when I bought my house has 5 huge 4'tall x 5'wide windows. They are great for the light, the views & the breeze in the summer. But big windows like mine really do **** for security big time. Altho it is a solvable problem, it took me a fair bit of time to make my shop secure because of them.

The natural light is great but I always end up having some lights on whenever I'm in there working anyway.

I like the windows up high approach. A friend who is currently building a shop is using 18" x 3' side sliding windows that sit at 8' high mark. (4 down each side) His shop is 12' tall & the plan is to have room above the windows for storage cupboards.


Steve

 

[ard]

When placing windows, keep in mind that you may want shelves, or upper cabinets inside- and the Windows may interfere with those placements.

Custom cabinets, no issues- but the pre-configured storage units, upper/lower config- can be incompatible with window placement.

Just keep that in mind. Maybe define one wall, or one long section of a wall for uppers. But popping a window every 4,5 feet along the entire wall can complicate life over 36 inches.

 

[Mustang1167]

I have no windows and no glass in the doors. They get in the way of how id like to set up the shop. They are also a huge security issue. If I didn't have to worry about security I'd say go for it but I think it's a welcome mat otherwise.

 

[ryan77]

for security issues I have no windows in my shop, but like you like natural light, I had the builder use a clear ridge cap, a 1 ft wide clear span down the center of my shop, and the inside of the roof is silver backed foam, so its bright inside and secure, at night you can see the stars, and the sun shining on the floor keeps the place dry, not as much musty garage feel.

 

[mbatarga]

If you have the money, you can change anything you want. Windows?..... I chose 2'x3' fixed thermo panes, and had them mounted at 8' up to the sill. I get light and unless ya bring a ladder, you're not breaking or looking in.

I've got 10' walls and mounted my 2'x3' casement style (open sideways) at 6' height with security in mind. (I'm 6'3') I've got pretty good natural lighting - 38x60 shop with 15 windows.

I regret not mounting larger windows and at a lower height for the front side of the shop that faces the house/driveway. I regret not being able to have a clear view outside for visitors, weather, etc.

 

[Jackfre]

I have 4 conventional double hung windows set 4' up. They are on the sides away from the road and towards the backyard and the view. The windows on the two roads side view areas are the twin 2x3 awnings with the bottom set 6' up the wall. A ladder would be needed to see in those windows. They call the north light the artist light. It is a flat light and produces the least glare on a bench top. It depends upon what you are doing, but worth a thought. The natural light is good, but two years in, I kinda wish I had fewer windows. With the doors I have and the window placement I have a heck of a time using wall space for hanging tools, cords and normal shop stuff. Windows are great, but don't over-do it!

 

[ryan77]

" I regret not being able to have a clear view outside for visitors, weather, etc"

I use a security camera aimed at the doors and monitor for that, people wonder how I know before they knock since the place has no visible windows.

 

[lakeroadster]

I designed my barn 30' x 44' barn with two 3' x 4' windows on the south end of the barn and 30' of acrylic ridge panels.

The acrylic ridge panels let in so much light that on a sunny day I can get by with no lights on at all. See photo's below.

As far as changing windows later.. would you get "in trouble". Not sure what you mean by trouble? As far as the window rough framing, that's not a big deal. After the barn is built and the siding is installed, that's when the window interior framing is done, it's one of the last things that is done.