How To Frame A Wall With A Window

How to Frame a New Window Opening

wall and window frame diagram

A window frame supports the weight of the wall around the opening using the studs to transfer the load to the foundation. At the top, cripple studs transfer the load from the top plate to the header. Along the sides the king and jack studs support the header and transfer the load to the flooring. At the bottom of the opening, 2 2x4'south are nailed together to form the rough sill which is supported by the bottom cripple studs. The rough sill doesn't support whatever wall weight only instead anchors the base of the window in place.

Cut the Old Wall Studs

drawing demonstrating where to cut wall framing to install a new window frame

To build a new window frame in an existing wall, start remove the interior wall covering and whatever insulation to betrayal the studs. Decide which studs volition accept to be cut to install the new frame and which can exist kept to utilize again. Take the jamb size and sill top into consideration when planning the placement. We use a 30 inch sill here but you may want to measure the height of the other windows in your firm and set the new one the same. Information technology may be necessary to remove the apron trim to accurately measure the existing sill height.

With exterior walls it'due south best to leave equally much of the existing framing in identify as possible to preserve the exterior siding. To accomplish this, choose the studs you volition utilise for the king studs and then cut whatsoever others that fall in the center to class the meridian and bottom cripples.

Measure for the top starting at the finished floor: add together the header size + the window jamb height + 30 inches for the sill height and ½inch wiggle room. Marker this point on the studs. For the lesser, measure up 27 inches (30 inches for the new window height - iii inches for the crude sill) and mark the studs there.

Use a square to describe a direct line on both faces and the exposed edge of the studs. Prop 2x4'south under the top plate to back up the wall load and utilise a handsaw to cut every bit straight as possible, all the way to the exterior siding.

Remove the center portion of the sometime studs and discard them. Most old wood lap siding and sheathing boards will exist fastened to the studs at each board with one or two nails. This can make information technology hard to remove the cutout stud portions. Yous can usually pry the studs loose at each board but this process can potentially loosen the siding from the residue of the framing. If this is a problem, you tin use the method described below to cut the siding and sheathing boards along both sides of the studs and remove everything together.

Newer construction usually consists of plywood capsule covered with aluminum or vinyl siding. In these cases the plywood volition exist fastened to the studs at random points making it easier to pry them loose. Otherwise, the cutout method tin can be used to remove the studs.

Install the Framing

drawing demonstrating where to drill holes in siding to install a new window

Piece of work out the header size for the opening you're making and decrease the width from the total you used to cut the top cripples above. Cut ii new 2x4 jack studs to this length. Build the header and lift it into place while slipping the jacks under to hold it temporarily.

Square up all the pieces, and bulldoze 3" screws to adhere the jacks to the king studs. Next drive screws to secure the header to the top cripple and king studs using the toenailing technique here.

Measure between the two jack studs and cut two pieces of 2x4 to this length for the rough sill. Smash the ii together and identify them between the jacks butted against the bottom cripples. Fasten them in place using toenailing at the sides and upward from the bottom cripples.

Cut Out the Outside Siding

drawing demonstrating where to cut siding to install a new window

With all the new framing pieces in place drill a hole at each corner, through the siding to the exterior. Use at least a 5/8ths inch scrap to brand holes large enough for a tape mensurate and use them to mark the outside wall for cutting the siding.

Working from the outside, apply a jigsaw to cut out the siding. Mensurate from each hole and marking the siding at the width of your jig saw baseplate. This is the measurement from the bract to the outer border of the baseplate. Fix a long level on the marks and draw a line for all four sides of the frame. Spike a straight, 1x3 lath to the siding forth these lines and use it as a fence to guide the saw bract. Spotter where you drive fasteners so they volition exist covered by the trim molding when your washed.

Starting on one side with a new, abrupt blade, cutting forth the lines using the holes every bit a starting point. Keep the baseplate pressed firmly against the fence and siding while cut for a clean, authentic cut. Motion the wooden fence to cutting the other side, top, and bottom of the frame opening and remove the siding. Install the new window jamb every bit described here.

Framing an Interior Wall
How to Frame for a New Window
How to Frame a Door Opening
Building a Door Header
Demolishing Walls for Remodeling
Framing to Add a Ceiling Fan
Building Crown Molding Lighting
Installing Crown Molding
Steps to Installing Doors and Windows
Building Radiator Covers
Installing a Wall Access Panel
Installing a Drywall Ceiling
Wood Joinery Techniques
Repairing a Window Cord
Choosing and Installing Wall Anchors
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