Half moon window - How do you frame the opening?

[Johannes]

Hey guys,

I`m installing a half moon window next week. In other words, it`s shaped like a circle split in half.

How would you guys frame the opening? Do you just install the headers at an 45 degree angle or so?

The wall is 6" thick. I was playing with the idea of making a frame that is shaped exactly like the window, but I don`t know what`s the usual approach.

Thank you in advance!

John

[bkerley]

I frame it as though it is an ordinary rectangular window and then build the arched infill under the header. Be sure you have the manufacturers cut sheets or the actual window on-hand when you frame it.

[O'BrienConstruction]

Yep, that about does it. I leave the sheating running across the top of the opening till after I get done with the infill framing, then trim it out, looks clean.

[Johannes]

Thanks guys but I`m not any wiser I`m afraid:)

English is not my native language so perhaps I missed your point....

The opening is already framed as if it were a rectangular window. It is the framing on the circular part I`m not quite sure how to do.

And yeah, I have the window at the site already. It`s not big either. 40" X 20" or so....

Thanks again!:)

[Bob Dylan]

Here is one we did last year. The opening was boxed rectangular, and we bench-built the window insert from plywood and sawn lumber, then popped it in.

In this case the window WAS the insert, and that is why we did it that way.

[Richard Birch]

Another solution, that I favor /if possible, is to cut plywood strips the same thickness as the wall and laminate them bent around the window. These strips will only be a max length of 4’ so they are often staggered. The strips bend much easier if they are cut across the grain. It also helps to use a flimsy grade of plywood too. I use cheap plastic spring clamps to hold the 2 or 3 ply laminated shape around the window’s arch, put blocking/cripples in where I think they work best, (usually follow the stud layout) and nail and staple it all in place.

This works really well with ‘high end’ wood jamb arched windows. Just frame the hole big enough to fit the laminated plies around the window (+3” width, +2” height, for a half round), leave off the arched cut sheathing piece, staple the plies directly to the arched window in line with the wall reveals before sticking it in the hole, you can add studding and sheathing after you set the window.

The thing I like about this technique is that the insulation guys can insulate like normal right up to the window very easily and you can usually do more windows per sheet of pw too. I think Dylan’s method is best for tight radiuses.

[podge58977]

The header should be at the top of the window as usual. the round top window should come with a template or if it doesn't lay the window down on top of the box it came in, trace the window, cut the cardboard, transfer to plywood covering where the window goes, then cut away.

Once you have the plywood cut give the window a test fit, pull it back out, and frame to the plywood either using solid blocks cut with bevels or move the 2x the the angle of the round.

[Johannes]

Hey guys,

Thank you for taking the time to help me out.

Since english is not my first language and some framing terms are a little unclear to me, I did not quite understand all of you.

I intentionally planned to do it like podge describes if I understood him correctly, and that was the way I did it.

1) First I cut plywood with measurements equalling the square window opening.

2) I placed the window flat on the plywood sheets and traced the cutline(15 mm larger than the window)

3) I put blocking between the plywood and nailed it all together.

4) Installed the windowframe.

Opinions or suggestions for future installations?

Best regards,

John

[Johannes]

A few more,

[FramerT]

We do arch doors and such that way but never a window. Our windows always come with the half-round already attached.

http://domania.us/FramerT/fun%20hous...0005.image.jpg

[O'BrienConstruction]

Johannes,
Looks good, one thing though, what is the building sheathed with?
Also in photo #3 is that a piece of a roof truss cut off. I saw the sawn through connector plate on the end of what looks like a 2X10.

[Johannes]

Johannes,
Looks good, one thing though, what is the building sheathed with?
Also in photo #3 is that a piece of a roof truss cut off. I saw the sawn through connector plate on the end of what looks like a 2X10.

You`ve got your eyes open mister and you are quite correct in your guess:)

As for sheating, it is a low density fiberboard coated with asphalt.

It is the standard sheating material here in Norway and we use it exclusively on walls. Drywall and perhaps plywood is used as well, but locally at least, this is by far the dominating sheeting material.

Due to it`s low density it`s very light and comfortable to work with. The sheets are cut with knife as well, no need for a saw.

I did a search for you and found the manufacturers webpage in english:

http://www.hunton.no/eng/produkt.asp...view=sheathing

Just ask me if you`re curious about more.

Eventually I plan to make a mini-article and take some pictures to show you guys how we do things in Norway. I know some things are different. I need to wait until I get to work on a new house though, as I will be doing finish work now for the next months;)

John

[Stretch]

Lay your window on a sheet of plywood then trace it with a marker and a 1/2 washer. I use foundation bolt washers. It gives you a perfect RO everytime.

In a non load bearing wall I use a router and a 1/2" rabbiting bit to allow the plywood to be installed flush with the framing. Fast and accurate.

After you have cut out you plywood staple some tyvek to the bottom of it so that insulation can be blown into your plwood framing.

[O'BrienConstruction]

Eventually I plan to make a mini-article and take some pictures to show you guys how we do things in Norway. I know some things are different.
John

John,
Please do that. I have traveled all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. It is very interesting to me to see how things are done and different building proucts used in all the different coutries. I'm sorry that I haven't been to your country yet, but it is one on my list. I've been to most of the countries along the mediteranean, but want to get up your way and travel the countries around the Baltic Sea.

[FramerT]

John,
Please do that. I have traveled all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. It is very interesting to me to see how things are done and different building proucts used in all the different coutries. I'm sorry that I haven't been to your country yet, but it is one on my list. I've been to most of the countries along the mediteranean, but want to get up your way and travel the countries around the Baltic Sea.

WOW!! Who travels all that on a framer's pay??? I've been to Georgia once.:-)