Need to install a new window?
We’ll show you how.
This will require you to patch the walls afterward, but installing framingespecially the headerinside a wall is challenging.
Credit: Nathan Schroder
This prevents having toreplace the siding.
If the window has brick molding or a flange, you must cut back the siding to accommodate it.
Hire a professional mason to cut an opening if you have abrick wall.
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When framing, always work carefully to produce a structure that presents a smooth face for the drywall.
Install adjoining pieces perfectly flush with each other.
Expect to spend a whole day on this projectyou’ll need to remove interior drywalland create the frame.
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Though it looks daunting, this project is pretty simple.
Then, examine your studs.
Cut twocripple studs; the sill will rest on their tops.
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(A jack stud will be fastened above so it and the cripple stud sandwich the sill.)
Drive a fastenerevery 12 inchesor so in an alternating pattern.
The distance between the jack studs is the width of the rough opening.
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Make cutlines about 18 inch higher than the measurement.
If there is a gap, fill it with shims.
Make the bottom cuts (step 7) about 18 inch lower than the measurement.
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Mark Middle Studs
Also mark the middle studs for cutting at the bottom.
If you have not already done so, install a temporary supportfor the wallbefore you start cutting.
Cut a scrap piece to confirm that the blade is cutting square.
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Wearing ear and eye protection, cut the lines with the circular saw.
Finish Cuts
Finish the cutsusing a handsawor a reciprocating saw.
Cut strips of 12-inch plywood as spacers.
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See that their crowns face the same way.
Attach the Header
Set the header on the jack studs with the crown facing up.
You may have to hammer it into position.
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Attach the header with 16d nails or 3-inch screws.
Create the Sill
Cut one or two pieces to length for the sill.
Nail or screw the sill in place.
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Check for Square
Check the opening for square.
As a final check,set the window in the openingand check it for square.
Cut a section of the finished wall that is the correct size of the opening.
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Cut Studs
Cut through the studs midway and pull them out.
Carefully clean out the openings to allow room for the header and the sill.
Slip in the sill as well.
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Angle-drive screws to hold the framing pieces together.
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Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
