How to fit a window in your log cabin or summerhouse
Once you’ve built your log cabin up to a certain height, it’s strong enough to fit the windows. Correctly fitting the windows in your log cabin or summerhouse will not only ensure that your garden building looks aesthetically pleasing, it also helps to keep your building insulated, protected from the elements and keeps your building performing over time.
Due to the construction of your log cabin or summerhouse, the windows must be installed in a way that allows the timber of the log cabin to move naturally without putting pressure on the frame, glazing or the rest of your building.
At Tuin, our log cabins are designed for DIY installation which means adding the window is simple. In this blog, we’ll show when to fit windows, how to install them correctly and how to seal the glazing.
Why is it so important to install the window frame correctly?
Failing to install the windows correctly when building your log cabin can cause a range of problems both during the rest of the installation and over the long-term. Windows that are installed incorrectly can cause problems such as:
Windows that stick or are difficult to open
Water ingress around the glazing and frame
Draughts inside the building, affecting insulation
Pressure on the glass or frame as the timber moves over time
Gaps or cracks appearing around the frame
Ensuring the windows of your log cabin are installed correctly will ensure that your garden building continues to perform well throughout its lifetime and allows you to enjoy your garden for years to come.
When should you install log cabin windows?
The windows of your log cabin or summerhouse can only be installed once the log cabin walls have been built to a certain height. This will ensure there’s enough structural strength in the building to support the heavy window frames safely.
Trying to install the windows too early can cause problems with your build further down the line and over the long term. Due to the weight and size of the window frames and glazing, we strongly recommend having at least two people available to lift and install the windows safely.
Fitting log cabin or summerhouse windows: A step-by-step guide
Our log cabin and summerhouse windows are delivered to you with the fascia boards pre-fitted around the outside edge of the entire frame. This creates a U-channel or slot around the outside of the window which allows you to lift and slot the window into place easily.
For a full guide on installing a window in your log cabin, watch our video:
Step one: Build the log cabin walls to window height
When installing your log cabin, you’ll build the walls up to start forming the outside of your building. Read more about building the walls of your log cabin in our blog: [LINK TO BLOG]
The instructions provided alongside your log cabin or summerhouse will show you the required height required before you can install your windows. This ensures the building will be stable enough to support the weight of the window frame.
Step two: Lift the first window into position
Always ensure you have two people on location to lift and slot the window into position. The U-channel created by the fascia boards is designed to slot neatly into the wall logs you’ve already assembled.
Step three: Install the connecting wall logs
If your log cabin or summerhouse features multiple windows on the same wall, there will be short wall logs between each window so you will need to slot these into the existing window frame before adding the next window.
Step four: Add the next window
You will need to repeat this process for the remaining windows of the garden building by lifting the windows into place, slotting the frame in and checking the alignment before you continue with the next stage of the build.
Once all the windows have been fitted, continue building the remaining wall logs and roof structure as instructed in your installation manual.
How to seal log cabin windows correctly
When we send windows as part of your log cabin or summerhouse kit, the glass is not pre-sealed so it will need to be sealed as part of your installation. This is important for preventing water from getting into the window, frame or into your garden building.
Step one: Apply timber treatment
Before you seal the windows, you’ll need to treat the window frame to protect the timber and to prevent sealing over untreated wood which can leave your log cabin open to water ingress.
Step two: Apply silicone around the glass
Use silicone and seal around the entire edge of the glass where it first touches the wood on the outside of the door or window. You will need to check for gaps in the seal and fix them as you go to keep your garden building protected from the elements and to prolong its lifespan.
Step three: Allow the silicone to fully set
Once you’ve applied the silicone, allow it to set fully and avoid exposing it to moisture before it’s dried properly.
Watch our full video for a step-by-step guide to sealing the glass in the windows and doors of your log cabin or summerhouse:
How to replace the glass in the window or door of your log cabin or summerhouse
Accidents can happen either during installation or in the future once your garden building has been installed, so we’re going to walk you through replacing the glass in the window or door of your building.
Step one: Remove the glass
Use a chisel and a paint scraper (or anything else hard and metal) to get in between the wooden beading and the door. Locate the beading on the door or window which is held in with pins and use your paint scraper to prise the pins out slowly and carefully.
We recommend wearing gloves because the glass and pins can be sharp.
When removing the pins, you might find they get stuck within the door, rather than being pulled out with the bead. All you need to do is grab a set of pliers and slowly prise them out of the door.
Step two: Remove the glass
Once the wooden beading has been successfully removed, you’ll be able to lift the broken glass out and remove it from the door.
Step three: Add new glass
You can now slot the new pane of glass into place within the rebates of the door.
Step four: Reapply wooden beading
Once you have the new pane of glass in place, you can start reapplying the wooden beading on all four sides. Try to reuse the pins supplied and the holes left over from when they were removed to make this process as easy as possible. Ensure the pins are fully embedded into the wood so they’re not showing.
When you’ve put all the pieces back together, you can rehang the door or window in your log cabin or summerhouse.
Ensure correct installation of your log cabin or summerhouse window
Correctly fitting and sealing the windows in your log cabin or summerhouse is an essential part of the installation process and will help to ensure the longevity and ongoing performance of your garden building. Adding the windows properly will help to protect the building from draughts, water ingress and unnecessary movement as the timber naturally expands and contracts throughout the year.
At Tuin, our log cabins and summerhouses are designed for DIY installation with window systems that make installation as simple as possible.
For further installation advice and guidance, please contact our expert customer service team.
With the windows installed in your log cabin or summerhouse, you can start to add the roof to finish the installation. Read our guide here: How to install the roof on your log cabin or summerhouse
If you’re building a log cabin or summerhouse with a canopy, you’ll need this guide too: How to install the canopy for your log cabin or summerhouse