We are considering installing a sliding façade section instead of two existing windows (which are larger models) + a patio door.
That is, 2 windows + 1 door to façade section.
The windows today are not completely down to the floor but extend to about 30 cm above floor level. I guess the wall should therefore be reinforced to handle the structural integrity.
The question is whether you need to apply for a building permit to make this change, given that it is a load-bearing wall? Or are these façade sections usually designed to handle load/structural integrity?
Is it, for example, considered a façade change even though that part of the house (where we plan to make the change) is against a glazed conservatory?
Or is the conservatory section considered the façade area?
Anyone who has installed a façade section who can show pictures, explain how you went about it?
That is, 2 windows + 1 door to façade section.
The windows today are not completely down to the floor but extend to about 30 cm above floor level. I guess the wall should therefore be reinforced to handle the structural integrity.
The question is whether you need to apply for a building permit to make this change, given that it is a load-bearing wall? Or are these façade sections usually designed to handle load/structural integrity?
Is it, for example, considered a façade change even though that part of the house (where we plan to make the change) is against a glazed conservatory?
Or is the conservatory section considered the façade area?
Anyone who has installed a façade section who can show pictures, explain how you went about it?
Building permits probably cannot be required, as it is not a façade change (requires a building permit within a detailed plan) and not a change of the building volume either. Possibly a construction notification might be relevant if you alter a load-bearing part. But if you're correct that the section is not load-bearing, then no construction notification is required.
At least not without hiring a structural engineer to review how the load-bearing above and on the sides need to be reinforced.A ArneTW said:
There doesn't need to be a risk of collapse, but a little extra pressure over time on a large window section may cause the sliding doors/windows to start jamming if the load-bearing structure isn't properly dimensioned.
Thank you for all the answers. I'll see if I get a bit wiser from the house plans, it should be clear there, I think. Otherwise, I'll add a picture of it as well, so maybe someone can interpret the information there.
Regardless, I will of course bring in expertise for this and it's nothing I will do myself, but the more I understand, the more of the right kind of questions I can ask.
Regardless, I will of course bring in expertise for this and it's nothing I will do myself, but the more I understand, the more of the right kind of questions I can ask.
Yes, I've looked at that too, it creates a much larger opening, the downside is that it "eats" up some of the space either in the sunroom or inside. Then I think about the moving parts. More parts that can break.T ToRy said:If it turns out that it's possible to switch to a door section, I would any day of the week consider folding doors instead of sliding ones.
Sure, the folding doors do "eat" up some space inward or outward, but on the other hand, you almost gain a sliding door width in the opening as you mentioned. Moving parts... well, it's a few hinges and one or two espagnolettes, something like that. Nothing complicated. But I understand what you mean. Regardless, I hope it can be done!
But I understand what you mean. Regardless, I hope it can be done!