Estimating in Building Construction

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Doors and Windows 189

15–2 Accessories

The items that may be required for a complete job include
glass and glazing, screening, weatherstripping, hardware,
grilles, mullions, sills, and stools. The specifications and
details of the project must be checked to find out what acces-
sories must be included, so the estimator can make a list of
each accessory and what restrictions apply for each.


Glass. Glassis discussed in Section 15–10. At this point,
estimators note whether it is required, what thickness, type,
and quality, and whether it is to be a part of the unit or
installed at the job site. The square footage of each type of
glass must be known as well.


Glazing. Glazingis the setting of whatever material is
installed in the frames. Often the material is glass, but porce-
lain, other metal panels, exposed aggregate plywood, plastic
laminates, and even stone veneer and precast concrete have
been set in the frames. Many stock frames are glazed at the
factory, but it is not uncommon for stock windows, espe-
cially steel frames, to be glazed on the job. Custom-made
frames are almost always glazed on the job. The subcontrac-
tor and supplier will help to determine who glazes them.
Glazing costs will depend on the total amount involved, size
and quality of the material to be glazed, and the type of glaz-
ing method used. If the frame is designed so that the mater-
ial can be installed from inside the building, no scaffolding
will be required, and work will proceed faster. On wood
frames glazing compounds are usually employed, whereas
on metal frames either glazing compounds or neoprene gas-
kets are used.


Screens. Screening mesh may be painted or galvanized
steel, plastic-coated glass fiber, aluminum, or bronze. If spec-
ified, be certain that the screens are included in the proposals
received. If the selected subcontractor or supplier for the
frames does not include the screens, a source for those items
must be obtained elsewhere. If so, be certain that the screens
and frames are compatible and that a method of attaching
the screen to the frame is determined. The various sizes
required will have to be noted so that an accurate price for
the screening can be determined.


Hardware. Most types of frames require hardware,which
may consist only of locking and operating hardware with the


material of which the frame is made. Because the hardware
may be sent unattached, it must be applied at the job site.
Various types of locking devices, handles, hinges, and cylin-
der locks on sliding doors are often needed. Materials used
may be stainless steel, zinc-plated steel, aluminum, or
bronze, depending on the type of hardware and where it is
being used.

Weatherstripping. Most specifications require some
type ofweatherstripping,and many stock frames come with
weatherstripping factory installed—in that case, the factory-
installed weatherstripping must be the type specified. Some
of the more common types of weatherstripping are vinyl,
polypropylene woven pile, neoprene, metal flanges and clips,
polyvinyl, and adhesive-backed foam. It is usually sold by the
linear foot for the rigid type and by the roll for the flexible
type. The estimator will do the takeoff in linear feet and
work up a cost.

Mullions. Mullionsare the vertical bars that connect
adjoining sections of frames. The mullions may be of the
same material as the frame, or a different material, color, or
finish. Mullions may be small T-shaped sections that are
barely noticeable or large elaborately designed shapes used
to accent and decorate. The mullions should be taken off by
the linear footage with a note as to thicknesses, finish, and
color.

Sills. The sill is the bottom member of the frame. The
member on the exterior of the building, just below the bot-
tom member of the frame, is another sill. This exterior sill
serves to direct water away from the window itself. These
exterior sills may be made of stone, brick, precast concrete,
tile, metal, or wood. The details of the frame and its installa-
tion must be studied to determine the type of material, its
size, and how it fits in. Basically, there are two types of sills:
the slip sill and the engaged sill. The slip sill is slightly
smaller than the opening for the frame and can be slipped
in place after the construction of the walls is complete or
either just before or just after the frames have been installed
(depending on the exact design). The engaged sill must be
installed as the walls go up, since it is wider than the open-
ing and extends into the wall construction. Sills are taken off
by the linear foot; the takeoff should be accompanied by
notes and sketches that show exactly what is required.

FIGURE 15.8.Curtain Wall Productivity Rates. 

S.F per
Metal Curtain Walls Labor Hours
Up to 1 Story High 8 to 18
1 to 3 Stories 6 to 12
Over 3 Stories 6 to 10
Including glazing. The larger the opening
for the glass or panels the more work
which can be done per labor hour.
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