Glass Window to Garden
Hi, I am trying to decide between enlarging the two garden windows to the ground, and building a new large window that covers the area of the two in pictures. I know, for second option, I have to cut brick wall and install a steel beam, and perhaps two steel columns (if I cannot place…
Hi,
I am trying to decide between enlarging the two garden windows to the ground, and building a new large window that covers the area of the two in pictures.
I know, for second option, I have to cut brick wall and install a steel beam, and perhaps two steel columns (if I cannot place steel beam on existing brick columns)
My concerns:
1. Someone, in one of Brownstoner’s forums stated that “there are heating and cooling issues when installing giant glass windows. What are these? I have plumbing connections for steam radiators on both lateral sides of ground floor.
2. The cost. While for enlarging the two current windows, I only need to cut the lower brick wall under windows, for the large glass window I will need to contract a steel co. to come and install steel beam or arch.
3. Safety (I think it is easier for thieves to brick through a big glass window than trough large windows with iron bars). I travel for long periods and house is left alone.
4. Mosquito nets (Brooklyn mosquitoes are vicious!). It seems to me that it is easier to keep mosquitoes away by having the two smaller vertical windows than one large one.
5. Light. I want to give the most light possible to ground floor.
6. Architectural: I know the current lure for big open-modern-glass- windows in backyards, but wonder about the “beauty†of keeping the building’s original façade (which may not be beautiful to some)
I will appreciate, and thank you, for possible comments.
Thank you all for good comments on this.
Huge cost difference between going to the floor with windows and removing masonry. You should get prices on each option and that may help you determine what you want.
If you’re going to go with removing masonry and putting in a steel header, don’t stop with merging the 2 windows. For not much more money you could remove the masonry between the window and the existing garden door as well and fill in the entire opening with multiple swinging french doors.
I concur with dave and BrooklynGreene. I would opt for French Doors, possibly with transom windows. Safety and structural issues are easily resolved, including as suggested above, though the cost of doing so may not be so easy.
Thank you so much for that lovely reminder of early summer!!! The roses are lovely on a February day!!!
I would opt for the safest, easiest and livable solution. If your house is in a Landmarked District make sure you file any work you so you have an approval on file. And of course, this will need a building permit even if you go with the simpler option.
Considering everything you’ve mentioned above, and considering how cute your garden is, you may want to do go with custom French doors with that look historic. You could also go with a full panel of glass though for more light. Just have the sills cut down. If you really want iron gates for security, smaller opening like this will be easier and you’ll be able to swing the gate up against the wall and out of the way when you’re home. You can also have French doors that made of steel and laminated glass. They’re a more expensive than wood.
No matter what the glass will have to be laminated because it is in “doors”. It is very hard to break. They make double glazed panels using it too. The wood sashes have to be pretty thick to carry the extra weight.
For the smaller doorways, you can get that stiff screening curtainy material with the flat magnetic strips (sold for this purpose) and just put up in the summer when you need it…or if you have iron gates, they can be fitted with storm windows and screens.
Keep us posted on what you decide! Have fun!
🙂
As noted above, you need and will be requried by DOB to install energy compliant windows. You can do a retracting door system and have the entire opening with a retracting screen too or just install windows, be it double hung or casement without mullions. What remains of the exterior wall will need to be properly insulated and most likely your radiator upsized to account for the greated expanse of glass. You will need a permit for this too.
Jock deBoer, AIA
deBoer Architects
Can’t comment on your particular safety issue. If you want o install double doors or a door and a panel of glass, as long as you get a good quality thermal insulated glass AND it is properly installed with flashing and foam insulation, you should not have any heat loss problems. I have a couple of 8′ openings (one sliding doors, the other French doors) in a house and have never experienced a heat problem (have baseboard hot water heat on the other walls).
You will really enjoy the openness that this provides.
But, I’d get a recommendation for some good installers.
I had a window removed and a door installed here in Brooklyn and they did an excellent job. They’ll give you a quote but it won’t be the cheapest.
Allied Arborcraft
greggallied@optonline.net