How To Frame A Window In An Existing Wall

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 floor. At the bottom of the opening, two 2x4's are nailed together to grade the crude sill which is supported by the bottom cripple studs. The crude sill doesn't support any wall weight but instead anchors the base of operations of the window in place.

Cutting the Erstwhile 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, first remove the interior wall covering and any insulation to expose the studs. Decide which studs will have to be cut to install the new frame and which tin can be kept to use again. Take the jamb size and sill height into consideration when planning the placement. We use a 30 inch sill here only you may want to measure the tiptop of the other windows in your house and set the new i the same. It may be necessary to remove the apron trim to accurately measure the existing sill height.

With exterior walls it's best to leave every bit much of the existing framing in place as possible to preserve the exterior siding. To accomplish this, cull the studs you will utilise for the king studs and then cut any others that fall in the center to class the pinnacle and lesser cripples.

Measure for the top starting at the finished flooring: add together the header size + the window jamb tiptop + xxx inches for the sill height and ½inch wiggle room. Mark this indicate on the studs. For the lesser, measure up 27 inches (30 inches for the new window summit - 3 inches for the rough sill) and mark the studs there.

Utilise a square to draw a straight line on both faces and the exposed edge of the studs. Prop 2x4'due south under the tiptop plate to support the wall load and employ a handsaw to cutting as straight as possible, all the way to the outside siding.

Remove the centre portion of the old studs and discard them. Near one-time woods lap siding and sheathing boards volition exist fastened to the studs at each lath with ane or two nails. This can make information technology hard to remove the cutout stud portions. You can normally pry the studs loose at each board only this procedure tin can potentially loosen the siding from the residue of the framing. If this is a trouble, you tin can 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 sheathing covered with aluminum or vinyl siding. In these cases the plywood will be attached to the studs at random points making information technology easier to pry them loose. Otherwise, the cutout method can be used to remove the studs.

Install the Framing

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

Work out the header size for the opening you lot're making and subtract the width from the total you used to cut the top cripples in a higher place. Cut two new 2x4 jack studs to this length. Build the header and elevator it into place while slipping the jacks under to hold it temporarily.

Square up all the pieces, and drive 3" screws to attach 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 out between the two jack studs and cut two pieces of 2x4 to this length for the crude sill. Nail the two together and place them between the jacks butted against the bottom cripples. Fasten them in place using toenailing at the sides and up from the lesser cripples.

Cut Out the Exterior 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 outside. Apply at to the lowest degree a 5/8ths inch bit to make holes large plenty for a tape measure and utilise them to mark the outside wall for cutting the siding.

Working from the outside, apply a jigsaw to cut out the siding. Measure out from each hole and mark the siding at the width of your jig saw baseplate. This is the measurement from the blade to the outer edge of the baseplate. Set a long level on the marks and draw a line for all four sides of the frame. Fasten a straight, 1x3 board to the siding along these lines and employ it equally a fence to guide the saw bract. Spotter where you lot drive fasteners so they will be covered past the trim molding when your done.

Starting on one side with a new, sharp blade, cutting along the lines using the holes as a starting point. Keep the baseplate pressed firmly against the fence and siding while cutting for a clean, accurate cut. Move the wooden debate to cutting the other side, elevation, and bottom of the frame opening and remove the siding. Install the new window jamb every bit described here.