Self framing windows for metal buildings

Worldwide Steel Building systems give you the option to include everything you need in a metal building, all the way down to the building accessories and accents – including custom windows.

If you’re installing windows for metal buildings, it’s important to do it right. Just like in any other type of building, your windows can make or break how energy efficient, durable and attractive your building is. That’s why we take great care to work with only the best commercial window suppliers and offer you what we consider the best commercial window: The Plyco Series CTB500 pre-assembled horizontal thermal break windows.

CTB500 Series Aluminum Frame COMMERCIAL WINDOWS are:

• More durable and stronger than any vinyl window frame
• Hard baked-on finish for years of energy efficient performance
• Self-flashing
• Designed for easy window installation that fits perfectly into your metal building wall panel
• Available with optional built-in “step taver” trim, which is a fully-extruded self-framing option for added strength

We consider these aluminum windows the best choice for metal building windows for a variety of reasons. The Plyco Series CTB500 commercial window works specifically well for our customers’ steel building projects because it is incredibly customizable as well as high-quality.

When you start working with Worldwide Steel, you’ll get expert advice on your commercial windows, as well. After all, a residential building needs different types of windows than an aircraft hangar, and a large storage building certainly has different window needs than a greenhouse. No matter your project, our team has the experience and expertise to advise you on every aspect of our building systems – windows included. We can talk you through frame types, different kinds of framed openings, energy efficiency considerations, and anything else you might need to know about framing windows in your new metal building.

Learn more about Worldwide Steel Buildings available commercial window options:

• Aluminum frames and grids make these windows stronger and more durable than vinyl.
• Available in a variety of styles and frame options, including single hung, double hung, on a horizontal slider, as skylights and more.
• Custom window colors include popular Polar White, Hickory Moss, Bronze and Brown. These colors use a hard baked finish for years of performance.
• Commercial windows are available with tinted, tempered, mirrored or safety glass.
• Our windows for metal buildings are completely pre-assembled and controlled under factory conditions.
• Install quickly using Plyco’s Step Saver optional trim or nailing flange, even if you are a beginner at window installation.

To learn more about our available commercial window options, this month’s building specials, and our industry-leading warranty options, call us today at (816) 608-8681.

Installing windows in metal buildings is quick and easy.  And with your RHINO prefab steel structure, you may choose any style window that you would use in any other building.

Pros and Cons of Kit Windows in Metal Buildings

However, these steel building windows also come with severe limitations.  For instance, windows for metal buildings are often not as sturdy as regular windows.

For example, metal building windows— those designed specifically for steel structures— have no sub-frame.

In fact, these industry-specific steel building windows attach directly to the external steel panel— not the building’s framing.

Steel building windows screw onto the largest rib of the steel exterior panel. Consequently, the exterior panel’s placement forces the window’s location to conform to wherever the panel ribs fall.  This configuration makes putting the window exactly where you want it very challenging.

Screwing the window to the sheathing also creates a weaker connection than a window attached directly to the steel framing.

Design Freedom with Traditional Windows

Also, builders often prefer a more energy-efficient and traditional window style.

Fortunately, any style window used in traditional construction also works perfectly for RHINO metal building installation.

Therefore, RHINO Steel Building Systems does not recommend— nor sell— typical metal building windows.

Why?

Because we find our customers greatly prefer to buy their glass and windows locally.  Choosing their own style of windows provides several advantages over cheaply made metal building windows, including:

• Larger choice of window styles and sizes
• Superior selection of insulated window styles
• Greater freedom in locating windows
• Sturdier installation through direct attachment to the framing
• No chance of fragile windows breaking when shipped with the steel framing kit

Field Location for Framing Windows in Steel Buildings

Here are a few considerations before deciding on window placement…

• A window cannot be located where there is a steel support column. Since steel columns are typically 20’to 25’ apart, this is usually not a problem.
• Never place windows in a section of framing with X-bracing. If the exact location of a window is important, let your metal building company know BEFORE engineering begins.  They can move the X-bracing to another section, if necessary.
• If your design calls for large expanses of glass or multiple windows, notify your steel building supplier BEFORE engineering begins on your building.

Conclusion

Depend on your local lumberyard or building center for your metal building windows.  Trust RHINO with the rest.

Tips on Framing Windows for Metal Buildings

Call RHINO today at 940.383.9566 to learn more about specific recommendations for metal building window installation.

RHINO’s metal building specialists have years of experience. You will find their knowledge and expertise in metal building window installation and selection invaluable when planning your steel building.

What is a self framing window?

What kind of window goes in a metal building?

Can you use regular windows in a metal building?