Ask The Trades - Print Page

Ask The Trades
https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Carpentry Questions >> Windows flush or set-back if planning to render? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1228078204 Message started by Isaacs on Nov 30^th, 2008, 8:50pm

Title: Windows flush or set-back if planning to render?
Post by Isaacs on Nov 30^th, 2008, 8:50pm

I am in the process of getting some new windows and wondering whether they should be set back from brickwork or flush. The house is currently brick and they are set back slightly but I am planning to render the brickwork at some point and been told that "may" need to have windows flush with brickwork for this. Will continue my consultations with the "pros" but anybody got any thoughts?

Title: Re: Windows flush or set-back if planning to rende
Post by CWatters on Nov 30^th, 2008, 8:53pm

Whichever is correct the length of the cill will need to be adjusted to suit so don't order till you have an answer.

Title: Re: Windows flush or set-back if planning to rende
Post by Isaacs on Nov 30^th, 2008, 9:00pm

Yes true. Bit more complicated than moving them forward later if need be. Certainly not ordering yet. In the process of retaining an architect to help with lots of things and already got into a fierce debate about what is the "right" glazing pattern for old farmhouses.

Title: Re: Windows flush or set-back if planning to rende
Post by CWatters on Dec 1^st, 2008, 11:23am

Personally I don't like render but needs must.

It's my understanding that you shouldn't render below the dpc and a drip bell should be formed above the dpc. Make sure the person doing the render is clear on this sort of detail before he starts. Likewise no rendering over air bricks!

Title: Re: Windows flush or set-back if planning to rende
Post by Isaacs on Dec 1^st, 2008, 11:34am

LOL well it is render or some not too pretty 1970's bricks in large parts of the house. Must admit given the choice I would prefer an old Georgian or Victorian brick build house and some of the modern rendered houses lack soul (we did look at some houses like this before buying current one but after 18 months of looking we made some compromises). However, in any case a lot of more modern brick build house are not particularly attractive if not downright ugly and rendering if done nicely with right detailing and right windows, guttering, barge boards, etc, can look quite good.

Early days to worry about details on the rendering (just trying to figure out window issues for now) but points taken. Think we will probably end up keeping some kind of brick plinth as we have some very old nice looking bricks on barn, stable and garden walls or possible weatherboarded plinth (just like the old days to protect against cows kicking the walls!)

Title: Re: Windows flush or set-back if planning to rende
Post by woodsmith on Dec 1^st, 2008, 4:36pm

The rendered houses I've worked on have always had their windows inset into the opening as this prevents the reveal showing a damp face to be plastered. Although that probably wouldn't be such a problem these days with plastic insulated reveals.

Replacing a window that has been rendered round can be awkward, make sure they are in good condition before you render them in.