Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 9/18/2008

Question
Hi there.  We are adding on a rectangular room on to our existing house as a family room.  I found a couple of window designs that I fell in love with in which several windows look as if they are continuous with one another through the trim work. (Handy if we were ever to re-paint the room down the road!)  If there are necessary vertical supports in these walls how wide would they be-how close could the windows still be-and is there trim out there wide enough to continue with the looks I have fallen for?  There are pictures of what I want at www.remodelingcenter.com.  Click on the living room designs tab. Then on the first link below the picture on the screen there is a slide-show(called 6 stylish family room ideas).  The ones I loved were 1 of 7 and and 6 of 7. I myself live in North Dakota so I was also wondering if some insulating issues would be of any problems but my main concern is if it is possible to have the necessary support and find trim wide enough to complete this kind of beauty.  Thank you.

Answer
Kristen,

With modern framing techniques, very large open spans are possible -- in fact, with the right headers there is practically no limit to the size of your "ganged" windows.  The limiting factor to your window size will probably not be structure, but rather cost - for additional structure and the windows themselves.  Keep in mind, however, that energy code will limit the amount of glazing in your new space, based on factors such as the amount of insulation in your walls, type/efficiency of heating, etc.  This is typically only a problem in modern-design homes, with large floor-ceiling windows or doors, but is something for your designer and builder to keep in mind.  Good luck, and feel free to post any follow-up questions you may have.  -Ted