HomeMy WebLinkAboutWindow framing plans 5/20/26 The Frame Design of the new 4' x 5' Picture Window
RECEIVED
The new 4' wide x 5' high picture window will be framed like this: FM-A-):, 2 0 2026
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
By'
Existing top plate / roof framing above
HEADER 2 x 6 3/4"
I
( KING I I KING I
( STUD I 4 ' x 5 ' WINDOW I STUD
I I I I
I JACK I I JACK
STUD ( ( STUD I
ROUGH SILL :/ WINDOW SILL PLATE
I `cripple studs below window down to floor I
I I I I I I I
Bottom plate / floor framing
Since the house is one story and the wall is not load-bearing, we will follow typical framing
concept and practice:
• Double king studs on both sides if space allow, or at least one king stud each side:
a.. w.
• Jack/trimmer studs under the header on both sides.
• A proper header across the top of the opening.
• A rough sill at the bottom of the window.
• Short cripple studs below the sill down to the bottom plate.
• Short cripple studs above the header only if there is space between the header and top
plate.
Since the window is 4 feet wide, we would not just cut the studs and install the window without
a header. Even if the wall is not load-bearing, the header helps keep the wall rigid and supports
the siding/sheathing above the window.
The new window location will be in the open wall area between the door and the right-side
existing window, and we also need to avoid the center post/column area and check for exterior
trim conflicts.
One possible layout:
//
Door side New picture window Existing window side 5
existing stud king/jack 4' window opening jack/king existing stud
I H y II I
I 11 HEADER II I
II II
I I! GLASS II I
II II
II SILL II I
II cripple studs below sill II I
For a 4' x 5' picture window, the rough opening is usually slightly larger than the actual
window size, often about 1/2" wider and 1/2" taller, but the exact rough opening must follow
the manufacturer's installation sheet. So a nominal 48" x 60" window might need something like
48 1/2" x 60 1/2" rough opening.
Because this is near the ocean, we would do the following:
• High-quality exterior flashing tape
• Sloped sill pan
• Drip cap above the window
• Stainless or exterior-rated fasteners
• PVC/composite exterior trim if possible
• Good exterior caulking rated for coastal exposure
We would also frame it with a proper header and full flashing system, not just cut between studs.