Metal size for covering windows? How many windows each sheet?

[PNW_Steve]

Hey Everyone,

I am looking towards ordering the 18 gauge sheet metal to cover my window openings after my roof raise.

My first thought was to cover as many windows as I can with individual pieces.

I can cover at least 3 windows with each piece.

Then I considered the handling of a 42" x 94" piece of metal weighing 70-80 lbs.

That got me wondering whether I might be better off covering 1-2 windows at a time to make the metal easier to handle.

How have you all done it? What where the pro's & con's of the method you used?

Thanks.

S.

[mikerob643]

I recently skinned over some of the windows and doors on our bus.
I did not have any two windows in a row that we wanted gone (it is a short bus) but we did cover up a fairly large door. It ended up being 5 feet by 6 ish feet roughly. It was quite hard to handle that big of a sheet but with enough hands it went fine and I am very glad it is all one sheet. I could be wrong and I'm sure some skoolie veterans could school (the pun was completely intended ) me on this but if you go with a bigger sheet covering more windows in one continuous piece of metal you will have less seams that eventually could become points of water entry into the bus. This was my reasoning to go with covering the most I could in one sheet. I would be interested to hear some other reply's though

[Ninjakitty]

I'm covering 2 windows at a time from the exterior. If I could start over, I'd probably do each window and weld it from the inside.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

Hey Everyone,

I am looking towards ordering the 18 gauge sheet metal to cover my window openings after my roof raise.

My first thought was to cover as many windows as I can with individual pieces.

I can cover at least 3 windows with each piece.

Then I considered the handling of a 42" x 94" piece of metal weighing 70-80 lbs.

That got me wondering whether I might be better off covering 1-2 windows at a time to make the metal easier to handle.

How have you all done it? What where the pro's & con's of the method you used?

Thanks.

S.

Every 2 windows will be fine. Its all way more structurally sound than the windows and won't leak!
18ga is a GREAT choice. Anything else is too thin and anything else is too thick and heavy.

[thrifty1]

It could vary but my ceiling removal metal was 19 gauge (yes for real) and I used them for individual skinning of windows welded from the inside. BUT I just had to purchase steel for the exit door skin and went with 18 gauge for such a large span and I am very happy. No waves. Nice seam to seal from the inside.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by thrifty1

It could vary but my ceiling removal metal was 19 gauge (yes for real) and I used them for individual skinning of windows welded from the inside. BUT I just had to purchase steel for the exit door skin and went with 18 gauge for such a large span and I am very happy. No waves. Nice seam to seal from the inside.

I wouldn't doubt it at all!
Buses tend to have odd gauges of proprietary steel that they use. I've found my ribs are 15ga, IIRC.
Since 19ga is hard to find and most of us have perforated and/or textured steel ceilings 18ga is as good as it gets for skinning.

[PNW_Steve]

My ceiling panels were perforated. They went to the scrap yard.

It sounds like 1-2 windows at a time is the general consensus.

Has anyone here tried covering 3 or more with a single piece?

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

My ceiling panels were perforated. They went to the scrap yard.

It sounds like 1-2 windows at a time is the general consensus.

Has anyone here tried covering 3 or more with a single piece?

IIRC the guy I sold my roof raised bus to covered a few windows at a time. The Derelicte bus.

[jjhwick119]

I did one panel of 3 windows. Myself and my 60 year old mom put it up with 2 ladders.

Someone else on the forum and did a sheet covering 3 on their bus shortly before I did mine. I remember reading it before I had my sheets cut

[Ninjakitty]

I did one section of 4 windows on my very first skin. I had help from my wife with that. After, I switched to 2 at a time because it was more manageable. I think one at a time from the inside and welded is the way to go if possible.