In
many installations of tall windows, such as churches or tall
sidelights, there is a requirement for handling and transport that
the window be built in panels, each of which sit on top of the other.
There are some considerations about the design and installation of
such windows.
The
design has to allow for the additional thickness of at least two
hearts at the joins of the panels.
The
leaves of the upper leads should always overlap the lower leads to be able to shed water from the rain so it does not migrate inside.
There
should be wide heart “H” leads on the bottom of each panel.
These should be 12mm or 16mm wide heart flat leads on all except the
bottom panel where the normal 5mm heart can be used. The wide heart lead allows easy placing of the upper panel onto the lower one. It is possible to open the leads of a standard heart lead, but it is much easier to use a wide heart lead.
The
top leads on each panel should be flat leads of 10mm or “U” lead.
This is largely preference. If you use “H” leads at the top,
you should fold the leaves over, or cut them off, depending on the
allowance in the design.
The
openings should have glazing or saddle bars placed at the levels
where the panels join. These need to be tied to the panels with tie
wires soldered onto the panels. The ties on the panels should be
soldered so that the ties on the bottom of the top panel point
downwards, and the ties on the top of the bottom panels point
upwards. It is important that the soldering
of the tie wire on the bottom panel is very flat and low enough to
avoid interfering with the flange of the upper panel and to allow the
easy setting of the top panel over the joint. It is also worthwhile
to put a loop in the soldered end of the tie wires so they do not
pull out of the solder joint.
Once you are certain of a good fit, set the upper panel down onto the lower one. Dress down the opened flanges of the upper panel over the lower one. Then draw the wires from the upper panel down behind the saddle bar, the lower wires up behind the saddle bar, fold over them over the saddle bar, twist firmly. Cut the ends to uniform lengths and fold back the twist up and over the bar. This secures the panels, draws the two panels together and provides lateral support to the window.
It is not necessary to putty the joint of the panels, as the flange of the upper lead is sufficient with a little dressing of the flanges flat to the lower panel to avoid any ingress of water.
Once you are certain of a good fit, set the upper panel down onto the lower one. Dress down the opened flanges of the upper panel over the lower one. Then draw the wires from the upper panel down behind the saddle bar, the lower wires up behind the saddle bar, fold over them over the saddle bar, twist firmly. Cut the ends to uniform lengths and fold back the twist up and over the bar. This secures the panels, draws the two panels together and provides lateral support to the window.
It is not necessary to putty the joint of the panels, as the flange of the upper lead is sufficient with a little dressing of the flanges flat to the lower panel to avoid any ingress of water.
Great post. That are some really good tips. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex.
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