Last week, we covered an extensive discussion about large Barn Entry Doors that set the stage for your barn's entrance. Next up, Barn Windows. Barn Windows often flank the side of your barn side walls (in addition to exterior Dutch Doors).
No horse barn is complete without Barn Windows. After all, they provide much needed sunlight and access to fresh air for your barn's interior. They also have the ability to impact your barn's overall aesthetic. Whether you would like a traditional cross buck design with lumber or modern glass shutters, we have the perfect solution for you. At American Stalls, we build custom Barn Windows of all sizes and designs.
While available in numerous customizations, the principles of each Barn Window system remain the same. Each window promotes good health among your equine inhabitants and beautiful aesthetics for your barn.
Whether you're considering an exterior renovation or you're simply curious about our Barn Windows we've got you covered. Dive into our comprehensive FAQ guide to better understand our Barn Windows.
Standard Size & Design
Q: What is the standard size of a Barn Window?
A: We consider 3’x3’ or 4’x4’ standard sizes for most horse barns. Please keep in mind that all our Barn Windows are custom built to order. This allows us to build to your specifications if you are renovating an existing barn or you are building a new barn with planned rough openings.
Q: What type of steel do you use for the Barn Windows?
A: We use pre-galvanized (100% American Steel) 14-ga steel on all of our Barn Windows. All tubing uses a 2” square tube frame. Our pre-galvanized material includes a zinc flow coat process which ensures industry-leading zinc application to protect your barn window investment from rust.
Q: What type of frame is used for your barn windows?
A: We utilize a 2”x3” angle frame for our Barn Windows - unlike our cold-rolled frame on our Dutch Doors. Please see below for more details:
- Angle Frame: This means the steel profile used to create the frame has an "L" or angle shape when viewed in cross-section.
- 2"x3": These dimensions indicate the two sides of the "L" shaped angle steel. One side of the angle steel is 2 inches, and the perpendicular side is 3 inches.
So, if you were to look at a cross-section of this window frame, you'd see an "L" shaped steel profile where one side measures 2 inches and the other side measures 3 inches. This provides a robust and durable frame for the window, allowing for a combination of both aesthetics (a sleek look due to slimmer profiles) and functionality (able to support heavier panes of glass).
Q: Are the doors insulated or weatherproof?
A: No, our Barn Windows are not insulated. All of our Barn Windows feature a 14-gauge angle frame and corresponding 14-gauge 2” square tubing for the frame. Weatherstripping is usually not needed as we like to have our barns breathe, but you may want to provide some sort of cushioned rubber weather seal where the doors meet or a brush type seal at the jambs and sill to limit the cold winds and other debris from circulating into the barn.
Q: Can I add lumber to the Barn Windows?
A: Yes! Our standard hinged Barn Windows come in two designs that are ready for vertical lumber in-fill. The first design is Barn Windows that are just vertical lumber in-fill. The second design features our lumber in-fill with welded cross bucks (the “x” design) on the window exterior.
Lastly, instead of 1-piece, our Barn Windows can also be built in a “French Shutter” style which includes 2 leaves – 1 left and 1 right. We recommend to use a 1-1/2” thick tongue and groove lumber to install into the welded u-channel in our Barn Windows. The above Barn Window Shutters showcase our HDPE In-Fill Lumber installed.
Q: How wide are the cross bucks on the lumber-filled Barn Windows?
A: Our cross bucks measure 4” in width, made of pre-galvanized 100% American steel, and are powder-coated to match the frame.
Q: Can I add a glass design to my windows – whether they’re a hinged (one-piece) Dutch Window or Shutter style?
A: Absolutely! Glass is a wonderful way to add natural light into your barn. We offer a glass-design for our Barn Windows. You can either do (1) large glass piece for the entire opening. We also offer a “quad-fill design” where we create a quadrant design with 2” steel square tubing which includes glass window retainers. We then can install 4 separate pieces of glass in these 4 placements.
If you do choose to add a glass design, we always recommend to pair it with our grill guard. This grill guard features 1/4” rods that are bolted behind your glass windows to ensure your horses cannot access the glass for protective measures. Below is an example of a Dutch Barn Window with tempered glass and a protective grill guard installed behind the glass.
Q: Do I need to provide my own glass?
A: We carry 1/4” thick tempered glass at our facility. We also offer a custom-cutting and installation service. This way, your glass will be pre-installed into your windows prior to shipping from our facility. Alternatively, you can certainly find a local glazer to procure the glass and have it installed locally as well.
Q: Can I add a window yoke behind my window?
A: Absolutely! We offer both fixed window yokes and hinged window yokes. Please see below for a hinged window yoke (left) and fixed window yoke (right):
Our fixed window yokes are built using 1.9” round tubing – similar to our European Stall Fronts. They fix into place into your rough opening and are fastened into your opening.
n contrast, our hinged window yokes will be integrated and installed upon piano hinge. This hinge will be welded to your American Stalls barn window frame. You can then use a spring-loaded thumb latch to open and close it.
Q: Instead of a Window Yoke, can I instead add a Grill Guard or Mesh Guard?
A: Absolutely! We can customize options for you! Below is an example of a hinged mesh grill guard that we built for a client:
Hardware Insights
Q: What hardware is included with the Barn Windows?
A: We provide a non-locking door handle (stainless steel) for our hinged Dutch Windows – very similar to the top door of a Dutch Door. For our Barn Window Shutters, we provide stainless steel finger tab/slide bolt latches.
Lastly, all windows include our Hold Back Latches – regardless of whether they include glass or lumber. This is also the case for any hinged Dutch (one-piece) windows or Shutters (two-piece). These hold back latches feature one piece that installs to your door and another piece to your exterior barn wall. This allows you to then keep your windows open during pleasant weather.
Q: I see that your hinged Barn Windows are “pre-hung.” What does that mean?
A: When a window is described as "pre-hung," it means the barn window comes already mounted into its frame, rather than just being a standalone window. This pre-assembly includes the window's adjustable tab stainless steel hinges. Being "pre-hung" means both sections of the windows are already hinged and set into the frame. This makes installation easier, as you're installing the entire assembly — window and frame together — rather than needing to align and hang the window slab separately.
Shipping & Delivery
Q: How are the Barn Windows shipped?
A: Our Barn Windows are carefully stacked on a pallet. The pallet is then shrink wrapped and banded before it leaves our facility.
Q: What type of truck will deliver the windows?
A: We ship our Barn Windows, Window Yokes, and Window Screens on pallets. These pallets are then loaded and shipped on a flatbed truck. This truck directly goes from our facility to your farm without any additional delivery steps. This allows us to deliver the entire order safely to your barn.
Q: Can I collect the windows to save on shipping costs?
A: We do offer pick up to our clients whom live in driving distance to our facilities. Our Barn Windows can be picked up directly from our manufacturing facility in Farmington, MO. Please kindly contact your American Stalls Project Manager and they would be happy to arrange this option.
Installation Tips
Q: Is it challenging to install the Barn Windows?
A: Installing steel-framed pre-hung Barn Windows in horse barns is relatively straightforward for someone experienced with construction or window installation. Our Barn Windows will install just like any other residential window. Our Barn Windows’ frame will go directly into your rough opening (RO). The inside of the frame is then screwed into the interior of your rough opening. It's vital to ensure that the window is level and plumb during installation. Use a level and make sure the door frame is square within the opening. This is crucial for the proper function of the Barn Windows.
All installation instructions are provided though at the time of shipping from your American Stalls Project Manager.
Q: When should I install the lumber?
A: We recommend to first install the Barn Windows into your rough opening without any lumber installed. This is because the Barn Windows are quite heavy and would be difficult to move with installed lumber. This is why we recommend to install lumber after your Barn Windows are installed into the physical building.
Are you ready to get started on your barn project? If you can dream it, we can build it! Contact us today if you may have any additional questions or would like to speak to someone from our expert design staff. You can contact us for your upcoming Barn Windows project at (855) 957-8255 or email us at sales@americanstalls.com. We look forward to bringing your barn vision to life!
