From prison bars to a new window
Instalar a nossa nova janela de casa de banho
This is how we changed from prison bars to a new window.
To the rear of a nossa Casa Grande, we have several windows in the adega that make the house look like a prison.
Traditionally the adega was an open space area used for winemaking and storing straw and animal feed. The windows were open for airflow, with iron bars built into the granite surrounds for security.
The stonework is beautiful and very authentic looking, but the adega has a different purpose now. As we are going to be using part of it for our new bathroom, it’s time to install a new window and begin closing off this space to the elements.
Architectual features
Unlike the more recently built brick-style window surrounds at the front of the house, the rear windows are all lined with thick granite stone. Some of the granite is weather damaged. Pieces of stone are cracking and crumbling in a few spots. Nothing too drastic, and none of the damage compromises the structural integrity of the building.
It would be a big job to remove the old granite blocks and replace them with new, but we love the tactile look and feel of the rock. It adds character to the building and authenticity we wish to preserve.
Bedding in the cill
After removing the four iron bars, the next job was to set a new granite cill in place and get everything running level at the bottom.
The shape and squareness of the opening was slightly distorted because of the movement of stone that has taken place over the years. It made measuring for the new PVCu window a little trickier as you have to take the smallest width and height measurements so that it will fit. Any gaps get filled when you make good at the end. Top-to-bottom, we had a height difference of almost three centimetres across the width.
We had previously ordered the new granite cill to match the other drip cills we fitted at the front of the house. The granite stone cills have rain drip channels cut into them to keep water running away from the walls.
With the cill bedded in on lime mortar, we were now ready to place the new window frame into position.
Fixing the frame
Everything was going smoothly. We now had the frame in position and level. It was just a case of fixing the frame to the granite stonework using the fixing bolts. The only slight issue was the lack of a metal drill bit to cut through the steel frame reinforcement. With a little persuasion, the masonry bit did the job!
Unlike our other PVCu windows, this design is what’s referred to as a tilt-and-turn window. The casement opens completely inward on hinges at the side or can tilt from the bottom to leave an opening at the top. Perfect for our bathroom. PVCu window frames and casements can look a bit heavy (compared to aluminium windows), but the profile used for this window style is not that bad.
Our new janela de casa de banho
We are pleased with the finished look.
All that needs doing now is sealant seal the surround and work on the window’s internal reveal and cill. We will make and install wooden shutters to match the other windows in the house.
But that’s another project for another day and will take longer than the window installation itself! Until then, we have a new janela de casa de banho.
OK, let's hear it!
We have so much to learn, discover and enjoy here in beautiful Portugal.
Please share your comments and recommendations with us and be a part of our big house renovation journey.
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Brilliant. Looks fantastic. Wouldn’t expect anything less mind you. You know all about windows!!
They’ve come a long way since my day! Very impressed with these PVCu windows.
As fabulous as ever, you never seace to amaze me with mind and body skill sets like yours you will both have a well earned amazing home at the end of your jouney
Thanks Clare. Going to be a long journey, but what fun!