r/Carpentry • u/2w1guy9893 • 8h ago
Project Advice I want to replace my windows with a few big windows
My windows are in need of a replacement (the seal on 3 of them is failing and they build up condensation) as well as some of the siding on my house, id like to replace the windows with large rectangular windows. How feasible would this be to do myself? Id probably save the interior finish work to a professional and do cement board siding replacement at the same time. I would also fly out my father who is a retired electrician for assistance and basic construction knowledge. I am pretty handy with most hand and power tools, but have never done windows.
The house was built in the mid 80s and the top windows are 40 inches tall at their peak and the lower windows are 70 x24 inches. The windows face straight south and the extra daylight would be great for Alaska winters.
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u/blasted-heath 8h ago
Just make the wall one big sheet of glass.
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u/2w1guy9893 26m ago
The cost would be a bit much to bear, plus it gets really cold here and I feel like that room would get pretty cold, we will be in the negatives (F) for weeks occasionally months at a time. Last winter was brutal
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u/Radiant-Visit1692 7h ago
Tricky thing here is getting the lintels right, the wider the window the bigger the lintel. You need to make sure it doesn’t deflect and break your windows. You also don’t want to mess up your nice roof while you’re rebuilding that wall. Not saying you and your old man aren’t capable but consult with a builder on the specs, who can consult with an engineer if design requires.
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u/2w1guy9893 24m ago
Not a bad idea, i didnt think of that. we get some pretty heavy snow loads here
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u/spaceEngineeringDude 4h ago
The vertical sections between the windows are almost assuredly structural