Sealing metal to wood and galvanized paint

[Alexz7272]

I got twilo large windowells for free off craigslist and am using them as roofing for some enclosures. They are not finished just yet as I am waiting on the metal for the backside to enclose them, but I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how I can seal the sporadic gaps between the metal and the wood? The second one we will be completely framing out so it is tall enough for the alpacas, this one is for the goats and sheep.
Second question, they are rusted on the outside. Thinking of wire brushes it the best I can then coating it with a galvanized paint? Any suggestions or advice? Thank you!

 

[micah wotring]

Nice! IDK much but maybe someone else can help.
Great Idea tho!

 

[babsbag]

Those are neat looking. I would use a primer that is a rust converter. There are more than a few out there, Loctite makes one and I believe Rustoleum does too. Then you a good spray paint, doesn't have to be galvanized.

As far as the gaps how about a sticky back foam that they use for metal roofing. Stick it to the wood and then sit the window well on top of it.

Something like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Emseal-AST-A...t_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JEW1GF7ZAKBGFBQBMY5S

 

[babsbag]

I didn't notice the goats until I just looked at your pictures again. Gotta love 'em

 

[Latestarter]

Were it me, I route a groove out of the top 4x4 wide enough for the sill to sit down inside it. Wouldn't have to be more than ~1/4 inch deep I'd think. That will also help keep the animals from pushing the window well off the top of the base. The 4x4 wood is PT, so a little water or moisture shouldn't be an initial issue. Then I'd get a good outside caulk or even roofing tar, and lay a good bead down in the groove, then set the basement window wells down inside it. You shouldn't need to tack them down with nails or anything, but of course you could. Then I would lay another layer of sealant over the top of the sill. Actually that liquid rubber they advertise on TV... flex seal liquid comes to mind... starts out liquid then dries to a flexible rubber. You could drill down through the whole thing and drive a couple of rebar stakes down through into the ground to hold it all in one spot.

 

[babsbag]

I like @Latestarter idea but don't bother with the Flex Seal, that stuff isn't worth the can the pack it in.

 

[Latestarter]

You mean it didn't float your (air) boat Babs? I've never tried it so have no recommendation either way... Any similar product would do just fine, even more caulk.

 

[greybeard]

https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/stops-rust/rusty-metal-primer/
or
https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/stops-rust/rust-reformer/
Follow the directions and paint with a good exterior final coat.

For the gaps.
Screw the roof down to the 4x4 and use this stuff to fill the gaps.
If you haven't used it before, less is more till you get the hang of how much to apply. It expands a LOT. Wear gloves!! It's a bit messy, and a pita to get off of your skin and clothes. Keep a rag handy to keep the end of the nozzle cleaned off as you go along the seam. Once it hardens (minutes) you will need a razor knife to go along and trim off the excess.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/GREAT-ST...acks-Insulating-Foam-Sealant-162848/100003351

 

[Bossroo]

I didn't notice the goats until I just looked at your pictures again. Gotta love 'em

Goats ?

 

[babsbag]

Goats ?

standing on top of the window well.