An Advantage of Plastic Windows....

[MdB]

You can use them as structural elements...

I removed the horrible plastic trim from around this window this evening so that I could sort it out properly. Unfortunately, I have discovered that one of the main roof A frames is resting directly on the middle of the window and there is no lintel... :evil:

You can see the line of the ends of the other A frames here:

There is also nothing under the window so basically this section of the roof is being supported by the two screws either side of the window holding it in place.

It looks to me that the best solution for this is to acro prop the A frame, remove the window, cut out a section of the block work at the bottom so as to allow the window to drop a bit and then to fit a lintel across the top. Can anybody see any problems with doing this? It doesn't look too much of a major job though not something I wanted to add to the list. I had planned to skim the ceiling this weekend... :evil:

 

[MdB]

and now my glasses have just exploded and the tiny little screw that used to hold them together is nowhere to be found. It hasn't been a good evening...

 

[Flyfisher]

Here's what can happen when a window becomes a structural element. Actually, it's what happens when a leaking roof deposits rainwater into the top of a rubble wall for many years and (presumably) the original lintel rots away allowing the full weight of the wall to settle on the window frame.

 

[MdB]

and that looks like a bit more of a problem to sort out so I shouldn't be complaining too much..

I still want to use a few more of these though :evil: :evil: :evil:

 

[judrop]

:shock: Coooerrr mister ! The title of this post had me going, thought I might find blood on the page ! Now I see its all tongue in cheek WHEW ! :wink: XX

 

[JoceAndChris]

Baler twine for the glasses MdB? A very authentic PPUK look. Flyfisher, that wonky window is BEAUTIFUL, can't it just stay as is?

 

[chuckey]

I find that very hard to believe, could be that there is a piece of steel bar secreted in the PVC frame or that the A frame has some sort of DFA at this end!
Frank

 

[MdB]

DFA?

The roof is fairly light weight and there are fairly substantial purlins crossing from one A frame to the next so it doesn't surprise me too much that the window hasn't been crushed. There is definitely no metal reinforcement in the window - there is a big gap underneath it. I will take the plasterboard out in the section above it tonight so I can get a good look at the construction.

 

[Flyfisher]

Flyfisher, that wonky window is BEAUTIFUL, can't it just stay as is?

Good question. It's been like that for many years but it's difficult to know how long it will stay that way or collapse undr the weight of the wall. But if a replacement lintel is inserted above then I suppose it would then be stable. It certainly puts a new twist on 'wobbly windows'.

 

[MdB]

I've exposed things a little more and you can see the main A frame member resting directly on the top of the window. There is a purlin at the back which will be taking some of the load but it is in no way satisfactory.

Also to add to the fun, the wall is 9" block all the way to the top layer which is of course 6" with a lot of cracked rubbish bulking it out to 9". I need to sort this out before I can put a lintel on top.

 

[biffvernon]

That's an entertaining problem, MdB

I could make you an oak window with a good strong mullion that would work just fine as a structural element.

Reminds me about the time, several years ago, that I was putting new windows in my own house. BCO asked what I was proposing to use for lintels but then stopped short when he cought site of the new frames in my shed. "Ah, no need to bother with lintels then".

 

[MdB]

I could make you an oak window with a good strong mullion that would work just fine as a structural element.

Yes please. Can you make me another 9 to go with it as well?

(one day we will be able to afford to get some decent windows...)

 

[christianb]

I could make you an oak window with a good strong mullion that would work just fine as a structural element.

Or a gothic arch. Wouldn't necessarily suit, but by Jove they take weight better than almost any other shape in architecture.

 

[biffvernon]

Yes please. Can you make me another 9 to go with it as well?

What, before Christmas?

 

[MdB]

We would love you to make us some windows. I've seen the pictures on your website of what you can do. (for those that haven't, you should)

One day maybe.