Shed builders have many options when it comes to windows for their portable buildings.
Most often, new windows made of aluminum or vinyl are the choice.
However, builders can refurbish used, antique windows for a unique look to a shed.
That’s what Dustin Hirschfeld, owner of Backyard Custom Construction in Atlanta, does.
The company specializes in custom-built cabins, garages, storage buildings, barns, workshops, pool houses, sheds, tiny homes, and more, so refurbishing used windows fits in with the customization they do.
The Process
Backyard Custom Construction has finding and reusing old windows down to a science.
“What we us do is contact window replacement companies,” Hirschfeld says. “They have many of the old sashes that they remove every day, most of which end up at the local dump.”
First, he says that he runs the sashes through a table saw to square off all the edges.
“I trim them out with whatever trim design our customers like and put a simple adhesive weather stripping on the inside of the perimeter of the window,” Hirschfeld says.
The trim overhangs the window by roughly 1.5 inches, so when the window closes, it will seal. He says that one of the trim pieces on the left or right side is cut in half and two hinges are placed on it so the window can swing open.
A simple hook latch on the inside keeps it closed.
Modern Options
Of course, Backyard Custom Construction doesn’t only offer reused windows. The company also offers customers aluminum or vinyl windows.
“Our aluminum windows are a cost-effective way to enhance the looks, add natural light, and vent the buildings,” Hirschfeld says.
All of the windows are single pane and single hung. Only the bottom opens, and they also come standard with a screen.
The vinyl windows are a higher grade and are double-paned white vinyl.
“Unlike wood and aluminum windows vinyl is self-lubricating, which ensures that they will not be subject to rust, rot or swelling over the life of the window,” Hirschfeld says.
Whatever type of window Backyard Custom Construction uses, the key is to make the customer happy.