U.S. alternative to Seitz top hinged windows

[Abitibi]

After searching for decently priced windows that would have good R value, would not scratch easy and would fit my opening area I ended up building my own.

If you've seen my truck you know I prefer to build most stuff myself anyway.

I made 2 parts (sandwich) aluminum frames out of L and T alu bars then powdercoated.

The actual window frames are made out of Fir wood then painted or varnish. I used wood for R value, ease of use, look and price.

The glass is double pane, tempered, low E but not filled with Argon so altitude won't affect it. The panes are also spaced 5/8" instead of typical 3/8" for added R value. I used a 1/2" D style gasket all around.

Finally I used hinges that allow awning style opening (the picture shows only partial opening, they open almost horizontal) and adjustable locks (until I find something nicer but these work great).

Have been using them for a few months now, already went on a roadtrip and absolutely love them!

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[java]

@Abitibi I would love to do some like that! Rounded corners add some. Difficulty tho on mine! And ideally with some fiberglass extrusion instead of the alu.

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[Ramdough]

After searching for decently priced windows that would have good R value, would not scratch easy and would fit my opening area I ended up building my own.

If you've seen my truck you know I prefer to build most stuff myself anyway.

I made 2 parts (sandwich) aluminum frames out of L and T alu bars then powdercoated.

The actual window frames are made out of Fir wood then painted or varnish. I used wood for R value, ease of use, look and price.

The glass is double pane, tempered, low E but not filled with Argon so altitude won't affect it. The panes are also spaced 5/8" instead of typical 3/8" for added R value. I used a 1/2" D style gasket all around.

Finally I used hinges that allow awning style opening (the picture shows only partial opening, they open almost horizontal) and adjustable locks (until I find something nicer but these work great).

Have been using them for a few months now, already went on a roadtrip and absolutely love them!

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Amazing, can we see more pictures please!?!?!

Would love to see more details on how you made them and sealed them. All the detail you are willing to share.

Thanks!




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[Sitec]

Same boat here! Priced Outbound windows, got a shock, so priced KCT windows and REALLY got a shock!!!!

 

[Abitibi]

Amazing, can we see more pictures please!?!?!

Would love to see more details on how you made them and sealed them. All the detail you are willing to share.

Thanks!




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Here's a few more I just took. Still need to stain/varnish the inside wood to protect them but small detail

It's hard to tell from previous pictures but the L angle frame goes outside. The T angle frame goes inside so that it also acts as a window stopper. Both frame parts overlap to create a good seal.

Let me know if you're looking for something else...

Cheers
David

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[Ramdough]

Great thank you!

Where did you get the hinge hardware?

Looks great.

 

[Sitec]

Let me know if you're looking for something else...

Yup... You to start manufacture so you can supply us all with neet looking double glazed windows at a sensible price!

 

[Ramdough]

The glass is double pane, tempered, low E but not filled with Argon so altitude won't affect it. The panes are also spaced 5/8" instead of typical 3/8" for added R value. I used a 1/2" D style gasket all around.


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I just thought more about this, what are the windows filled with?




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[C p weinberger]

Cool beans..Do you have a rough idea of finished window weight?

 

[Abitibi]

Great thank you!

Where did you get the hinge hardware?

Looks great.

I just thought more about this, what are the windows filled with?




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I need to contact the company to confirm this but usually if they are filled with Argon gas there's a small plug inside the panes. Mines don't so I take it it's just air?

 

[Abitibi]

Cool beans..Do you have a rough idea of finished window weight?

I didn't weigh them but my guess would be around 20-25lbs? Not much in the big scheme of things...

 

[java]

I need to contact the company to confirm this but usually if they are filled with Argon gas there's a small plug inside the panes. Mines don't so I take it it's just air?

Argon for sure.

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[Abitibi]

Great thank you!

Where did you get the hinge hardware?

Looks great.

If you google "ustenitic hinges" they'll pop up. There's various style and shouldn't be too hard to find on line or at local hardware store...

 

[Abitibi]

Argon for sure.

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I've been back and forth about this, even before ordering my windows. I read about the risk of window failure at high altitude. It's not very clear what could happen with the change in elevation. There's mention of seal being compromised and even glass shattering with high elevation changes but not much actual facts reported. I live on the coast and rarely go above 6000' in my truck so it wasn't a big concern for me. If I lived in Colorado it might be a different story? I'll I can do is go for another roadtrip over to Colorado, go over some of the 10,000' mountain passes and report back

And as mentioned earlier, Argon filled glass usually have a plug between the panes and I couldn't see one in mine so go figure. But regardless, at less than $120/window it's worth the try and having the tempered glass should void some of the risks.

Cheers
David

 

[java]

I've been back and forth about this, even before ordering my windows. I read about the risk of window failure at high altitude. It's not very clear what could happen with the change in elevation. There's mention of seal being compromised and even glass shattering with high elevation changes but not much actual facts reported. I live on the coast and rarely go above 6000' in my truck so it wasn't a big concern for me. If I lived in Colorado it might be a different story? I'll I can do is go for another roadtrip over to Colorado, go over some of the 10,000' mountain passes and report back

And as mentioned earlier, Argon filled glass usually have a plug between the panes and I couldn't see one in mine so go figure. But regardless, at less than $120/window it's worth the try and having the tempered glass should void some of the risks.

Cheers
David

May break the seal and get some moisture, I sure wouldn't expect it to break!

They are filling thru the sealant lately, I haven't seen a plug in awhile

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