How To Build A Window Frame

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. Forth the sides the king and jack studs support the header and transfer the load to the floor. At the bottom of the opening, 2 2x4's are nailed together to form the rough sill which is supported past the lesser cripple studs. The rough sill doesn't support whatever wall weight but instead anchors the base of the window in place.

Cut the Sometime 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 any insulation to expose the studs. Decide which studs will have to be cut to install the new frame and which can exist kept to use again. Have the jamb size and sill height into consideration when planning the placement. Nosotros use a xxx inch sill hither just you may desire to measure the tiptop of the other windows in your house and fix the new one 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 get out as much of the existing framing in place as possible to preserve the exterior siding. To reach this, cull the studs you will use for the rex studs and then cut whatever others that autumn in the centre to form the pinnacle and bottom cripples.

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

Use a square to draw a direct line on both faces and the exposed edge of the studs. Prop 2x4's under the height plate to support the wall load and use a handsaw to cut equally straight as possible, all the way to the exterior siding.

Remove the center portion of the former studs and discard them. Most quondam forest lap siding and sheathing boards will be fastened to the studs at each board with i or two nails. This tin can arrive hard to remove the cutout stud portions. Y'all tin can usually pry the studs loose at each board but this process can potentially loosen the siding from the rest of the framing. If this is a problem, you 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 volition be attached to the studs at random points making information technology easier to pry them loose. Otherwise, the cutout method tin exist 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 yous're making and decrease the width from the total you used to cutting the summit cripples above. Cut two new 2x4 jack studs to this length. Build the header and lift information technology into place while slipping the jacks under to hold it temporarily.

Foursquare upwards all the pieces, and drive 3" screws to attach the jacks to the rex studs. Next drive screws to secure the header to the meridian cripple and king studs using the toenailing technique here.

Measure between the ii jack studs and cut two pieces of 2x4 to this length for the rough sill. Nail the 2 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.

Cutting 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. Use at to the lowest degree a v/8ths inch bit to make holes large enough for a tape mensurate and apply them to marker the outside wall for cutting the siding.

Working from the exterior, utilise a jigsaw to cut out the siding. Measure from each hole and marking the siding at the width of your jig saw baseplate. This is the measurement from the blade to the outer edge of the baseplate. Ready a long level on the marks and draw a line for all four sides of the frame. Spike a directly, 1x3 board to the siding forth these lines and employ it every bit a fence to guide the saw bract. Sentry where you drive fasteners and then they will be covered by the trim molding when your done.

Starting on one side with a new, abrupt bract, cut along the lines using the holes as a starting signal. Proceed the baseplate pressed firmly against the fence and siding while cutting for a clean, authentic cut. Motion the wooden fence to cut the other side, top, and bottom of the frame opening and remove the siding. Install the new window jamb as described here.