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A question about windows

PostPosted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 1:58 pm
by Hilltop Garage
I am not even close to putting in windows yet but they are on my mind. I would like to have a mostly glass roof over the bed but my concern is condensation and leaks. How would I go about building a custom window that will not leak or drip condensation on me while I am sleeping. I realize that I will need to caulk every seam but as for the condensation I'm not sure. Should I try to make a dual pane window? What material should I make the window out of? My roof will be curved so glass is out of the question, but I was thinking Lexan or a thicker Plexi-Glass. What do you guys think?


Thanks for the help.

Josh

PostPosted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 3:34 pm
by tddriver
Josh,
A dual pane window would probably work, but condensation is always a function of air flow. With proper ventilation there should be very little condensation. Just my humble opinion. :D and worth every penny!!

PostPosted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 5:13 pm
by madjack
...yep, proper ventilation is the key...take a look at "bob henry"s build, his entire roof/ceiling is smoked Lexan...pretty darn cool...
madjack 8)

PostPosted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 5:26 pm
by Juneaudave
Didn't Thomas (2bits) use a sun roof he salvaged out of a car? :thinking: I was thinking that was a nice job... 8)

Re: A question about windows

PostPosted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 5:33 pm
by bobhenry
Hilltop Garage wrote:I am not even close to putting in windows yet but they are on my mind. I would like to have a mostly glass roof over the bed but my concern is condensation and leaks. How would I go about building a custom window that will not leak or drip condensation on me while I am sleeping. I realize that I will need to caulk every seam but as for the condensation I'm not sure. Should I try to make a dual pane window? What material should I make the window out of? My roof will be curved so glass is out of the question, but I was thinking Lexan or a thicker Plexi-Glass. What do you guys think?


Thanks for the help.

Josh
Sounds crazy as Hell to me !

PostPosted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 5:34 pm
by bobhenry
just kidding

Image

45 degrees last night and we had the bug so we towed Chubby to a real neat little primative campgroung I just joined. As It got dark we sat by the fire and talked. Later as we curled up under 2 heavy blankets and a sleeping bag layed out flat on top. Vickie looked up and let a big sigh and said thank you! I was going on about my $50.00 a year campgroung fee and she puts a finger to my lips. I looked puzzled I am sure, then she said "just look up." " I love our roof " . Every star was out and there, we laid in the dark looking over each and every one and drifted off while taking inventory.

PostPosted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 6:17 pm
by Hilltop Garage
Bob that is AWESOME! ':applause:' What is the thickness of the lexan? Where did you find a sheet that big, did you use a couple of sheets?

PostPosted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 6:36 pm
by bobhenry
I have to guess it to be 3/16 . These were storm covers for commercial sky lights. I answered an add for 4x10 approx sheets of plastic. Bought 6 sheets. I have used it for everything. If you look in my album you will find my 3x5 motorcycle trailer with lexan sides , my pot belly stove neich with lexan sides. There is a rock guard under my floor made of lexan.

The roof is split in the center and sealed with ice shield ice dam tape
( remember this stuff it is great) then a center strip with silicone underneth and a bead ran at the seam.

Image

The transition at the nose is still ugly I am leaning towards a vinyl bra over the luan. Have a good friend who has an upholstry business. It's on my to do list.