Fish house build/windows

[Rouney725110]

We've been building our own 8x20 fish house with a 4 foot v. We're at the point where we need to start installing windows and doors. First off what are the best widow and door options? We're looking at just the Jeld-Wen brand windows from Menards. They seem like they'll be about perfect for this job. We just don't know where or how many to put in the house.

As for doors We're not real sure. When we were in menards looking at windows, they gave us a flyer for mobile home doors. They seem like a good option. We're hoping that they'll be heavier duty that the regular ice castle doors. We're just worried about freezing up. We've heard that the regular ice castle doors and rv doors are very bad at freezing up.

Thanks!! Let me know your opinions!

[centralmnguy]

My 2 scents...get a solid door without a window! Ones with windows sweat & freeze up more.

A good HSOforum to go to is fish house supply (no spaces)...they are in Buffalo, MN...lots of info on there for your builds & accessories.

[1lessdog]

You should really think about a double door in the rear to haul your 4 wheeler. I bought 2 doors 30inch wide fiberglass and put them in my house and have never had the doors freeze up.

[Hawg]

I think more windows are better I have 3 down the side of a 8 x 16 and 2 on the door side. I have 1 10 x 10 highlight window on each side of the V and one on the back. My critisism is that most people go too big on windows, they do not insulate as near well as solid wall. I used 24 x 14(?) basement windows on each side of the couch to see out when sitting and 24 x 24 for the big ones on each side in the middle. it makes no sense to have more glass than you need. I also put a 10 x 10 garage door highlight window in the door just for looking out. Menards windows worked fine for me, just don't try to put them in too tight because you will get a small amount of flex. I used an RV door from the Millaca place but wish I would have cut down and used a solid door because RV doors are cheezy and always have problems at some point. This is just me though, everyone has their own way of doing it. There are lots of very good build posts on here to look thru for ideas. One must though when you get to the point of insulation is foam. Save in other areas but save money for foam.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I did JeldWen in my current house. They work fine. I do have one leaky seal which caused condensation between the panes.

I would respectfully disagree with Hawg on the big windows. Every single person who has been in my house loves the big windows. You can see 270 degrees around the house from almost anywhere you sit. I have a 36x48 on each side, a 24x36 in front, and a 24x36 in the back. Sure, you lose a little R value in comparison to a wall, but the convenience makes up for it IMO. I have insulating shades for night time.

[Chad Holst]

Windows?

RV pop out style windows. Safety first, especially on the ice. We used them in the house we built and they work perfect both for use and install as they are not as wide as regular windows. This is eactly what they were made for.

We got ours from Team Lodge in SD.

For the main door we went with an insulated/solid core NO WINDOW door. Metal added to door jam with the door swinging out, to prevent kick ins.

If you do go with the Jeld-wen, message me, i have a brand new one in the wrapper still, that we were going to use before going with the Pop-outs.

[silverbulletguy]

Make sure you don't put the windows too high. Nice to be able to see out when sitting down.