Installing a window in a pre - existing wall

Senstreet · 10-12-2012, 04:41 AM

My contractor put in a window in a pre-existing wall and it doesn't look like he opened the wall to properly support the window. How dangerous is it in a load bearing wall? To properly install, he should have opened the wall from ceiling to floor?

**oh'mike** · 10-12-2012, 04:54 AM

Usually, that is needed---how wide is the window?

Gable end of the house?

You didn't snap any pictures during construction, did you?

Senstreet · 10-12-2012, 05:28 AM

2 windows. A three footer and a two footer. The two footer has one jack stud and no cripple studs.

I don't believe it is gabled, each side of the house rises to the point of the roof.

And no we didn't take pics. For what purpose?

Thanks.

**oh'mike** · 10-12-2012, 05:54 AM

I was trying to figure out what load is on the header above the new windows--

The gable end--the one with the pointed peak--has very little load--(non load bearing)
The sides with gutters are holding up the roof load---

I'm heading off to work---there are many members with window framing experience---one of them will help you---Mike---

Senstreet · 10-12-2012, 06:04 AM

All sides lead to the pointed peak. But I believe it is a load bearing. It supports the joists running across the floor and ceiling and is on the wall supporting the gutters.
Thanks.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 10-12-2012, 07:37 AM

Information with window framing diagram here: http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/w...ro_framing.htm

mae-ling · 10-12-2012, 11:17 PM

Depending on the window size and the wall construction there are ways of installing headers and trimmers and cripple studs without taking off the drywall.
Works best when windows go close to floor, Or if you put in the rough sill then the trimmer on top of it, which I do not recommend. (against code here but I have seen it allowed)

In this case there will usually be slits where the studs were cut off, although they may be hid by trim especially if the trim is 3" or wider.

Senstreet · 10-13-2012, 06:35 AM

I don't think he ran any cripple. There is a smaller window with a wall that was open and for some reason they left a 2in space where cripples should go. The other window is a 36 in wide window in center of wall. Don't think they ran any cripple or jack. Just boxed in window. I guess I am trying to decide if I need to ask him to open the wall north and south and put in the supports. He is saying the top plates are sufficient to support the load bearing wall because the window is not that large. He is about to do major work raising a roof on our den to turn it into a kitchen. Do I force him to fix the windows and bring in someone else to finish?

Thanks for the responses so far. Greatly appreciated.

joecaption · 10-13-2012, 08:17 AM

If this is really the type of work he thinks is exceptable I sure would not have him doing anymore work for me.
Really need to see those pictures so we can trying and figure out what really happened.

Senstreet · 10-14-2012, 08:52 AM

These are pics requested. Thank you all again. Amazing site. The window on the wall was put in after wall was completed. They did not open wall up. Rather cut out hole and boxed window. Problem is we are living in the house. He is affordable and money and time are an issue. If this is serious I will move on another contractor. If it is something that not recommended but not unsafe??? Thanks again to all.

https://owa2003.nycboe.net/exchange/...1.jpg?attach=1

https://owa2003.nycboe.net/exchange/...9.jpg?attach=1

https://owa2003.nycboe.net/exchange/...8.jpg?attach=1

https://owa2003.nycboe.net/exchange/...1.jpg?attach=1

mikey48 · 10-14-2012, 09:09 AM

Pictures are not working. Asking for a password.

**kwikfishron** · 10-14-2012, 09:27 AM

How to attach a photo to a post

**Gary in WA** · 10-14-2012, 08:43 PM

Interior/exterior load bearing windows require headers, starting at 1'-5" and up, depends; http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/ic...002_par021.htm

Gary

10-12-2012, 04:41 AM	#1
Senstreet Newbie Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: New York City Posts: 5	Installing a window in a pre - existing wall My contractor put in a window in a pre-existing wall and it doesn't look like he opened the wall to properly support the window. How dangerous is it in a load bearing wall? To properly install, he should have opened the wall from ceiling to floor? Last edited by Senstreet; 10-12-2012 at 05:37 AM.

10-12-2012, 04:54 AM	#2
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,778	Installing a window in a pre - existing wall Usually, that is needed---how wide is the window? Gable end of the house? You didn't snap any pictures during construction, did you? __________________ New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

10-12-2012, 05:28 AM	#3
Senstreet Newbie Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: New York City Posts: 5	Installing a window in a pre - existing wall 2 windows. A three footer and a two footer. The two footer has one jack stud and no cripple studs. I don't believe it is gabled, each side of the house rises to the point of the roof. And no we didn't take pics. For what purpose? Thanks. Last edited by Senstreet; 10-12-2012 at 05:38 AM.

10-12-2012, 05:54 AM	#4
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,778	Installing a window in a pre - existing wall I was trying to figure out what load is on the header above the new windows-- The gable end--the one with the pointed peak--has very little load--(non load bearing) The sides with gutters are holding up the roof load--- I'm heading off to work---there are many members with window framing experience---one of them will help you---Mike--- __________________ New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

10-12-2012, 06:04 AM	#5
Senstreet Newbie Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: New York City Posts: 5	Installing a window in a pre - existing wall All sides lead to the pointed peak. But I believe it is a load bearing. It supports the joists running across the floor and ceiling and is on the wall supporting the gutters. Thanks.

Installing a window in a pre - existing wall