Let There Be Light (and Ventilation): Add Some Windows to Your Metal Building

When it comes to getting your own prefab metal building, you may not realize that you have the ability to customize by putting in some windows. But you absolutely can! Adding windows is a great way to improve both the look and the functionality of your steel structure. There are windows specially designed for steel buildings, which the manufacturer can provide for you, or you can opt to source your own preferred window options and have them installed on your building. Ready to gain a window of insight on all things related to windows in metal buildings? Well, look no further, because we’ve got everything you need to know right here!

Don’t Forget About the Windows!

Traditional metal buildings sometimes carry the reputation of being somewhat dark and stuffy inside, but that really doesn’t have to be the case with your building! The right number and placement of windows can really help to transform both the exterior look and the interior environment of your new prefab structure. For starters, windows can add a natural source of light and ventilation for all seasons. In the summer, you can open the windows to let in a cool breeze, and in the winter, you can leave the windows shut to take advantage of the radiant warmth that your windows allow to enter on a sunny day. And the aesthetic appeal which your windows themselves add to your building is a feature that shouldn’t be missed, either. Here are some other specific reasons that it’s a good idea to add some windows to your custom metal building:

1. Safety
   • If you’re using your new building as a garage or workshop, ventilation is really an important safety feature. Cars and other equipment with fuel-burning motors produce carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in a closed environment. Windows allow for harmful gases like carbon monoxide to escape, and also usher in a flow of fresh air for easier breathing. Windows also double as valuable emergency escapes from your building, should your door ever become blocked.
2. Energy Efficiency
   • When it comes to energy efficiency, windows can play some important roles for your building. Looking to save some money on lighting costs? Windows can help reduce your dependency on artificial lighting. Windows can also help to make your interior environment more comfortable without having to rely as much upon heating and air conditioning. Of course, not all windows are created equal, so you’ll need to decide which features you need or want for your building when making your window product choices.
3. Visual Appeal
   • Steel buildings are becoming a more and more popular choice for primary residential applications across the country. Think a custom steel building can’t look and feel “homey”? Then think again! Having the right windows installed can help to add that extra charm you need to be able to take your structure to the next level.

Which Windows Should You Choose?

The answer to this question really depends upon what look you’re trying to create for your building, along with how you intend to use it. Carport Central has a couple of different options of windows we can provide and install for you, which are specially designed for metal building applications. These are fully operable, double-hung windows which work well in garages, barns, sheds, utility buildings, workshops, manufacturing spaces, and similar types of facilities. Many of our metal structure customers choose to have us provide and install these windows as part of their chosen custom building plan.

On the other hand, folks who intend to use their metal building as a primary residence, barndominium, vacation cabin, office building, retail storefront, or other building of a more finished nature tend to want a little more in terms of available window options. These customers often elect to source their windows from their own preferred local window provider. These types of custom windows are a good bit more expensive, but going this route gives the customer many more options in terms of window materials, styles, types, functionality, and personalization.

Installing Windows: How Does it Work?

The installation process depends on what kind of window you choose:

• If you choose the steel building windows which we provide and install ourselves, the windows will typically be placed in the largest rib of the metal paneling itself. Even so, you get to help determine where you want your windows placed on the building.
• If you choose to source your windows from a separate window provider, there’s a good bit more freedom and flexibility in terms of your preferred window products, and exactly where they are to be installed. Windows of this type are typically installed by your chosen window provider, and are attached directly to the steel framing of your building.

A Few More Need-to-Knows Regarding Metal Building Windows

During the course of typical metal building installation, windows are often “field located.”  What that means is that the installation team actually sets each window opening location right at the job site.

Here are a few things to keep in mind regarding window placement.

• A window can’t be placed directly over a steel support framing member. Since there’s usually a fair amount of spacing between frame members, this usually doesn’t result in a significant problem.
• You can’t place windows in a section of framing which includes X-bracing, either. If the exact location of a window is important to you, it’s important for you to notify us about that during the design and engineering stage of your building. As long as we’re aware of your preferences during design and engineering, we can usually just move the X-bracing to another section. However, if you wait until the day of installation to notify the crew about this, there may not be anything they can do to adjust for this.
• If your design calls for large windows or multiple windows, you’ll also want to be sure to notify us about that before we begin the engineering and fabrication process for your building.

Welcome to the Carport Central Community!

Carport Central is the premier online provider of metal structures across America. Our steel structures are precision-engineered, incredibly durable, low-maintenance, and are built to last you a lifetime. But partnering with Carport Central is about more than just getting a great building product; it also means that you’re now part of a growing, nationwide community. We don’t just see you as customers; we see you as part of our extended family. Our building specialists are friendly, knowledgeable, and always here to help. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today at (980-321-9898), and experience the Carport Central difference for yourself!