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To learn how to frame a window can be a bit intimidating to some and they prefer just to leave it to the professionals. This is true for some circumstances but there are a lot of hardcore DIYers out there who prefer to tackle it all by themselves. To learn how to frame a window will be fun and rewarding and can also save you a lot of money over the years.
This is a guide to walk you through basic window framing and to give you a pretty good handle on the level of skill and patience it takes.
Before starting any kind of framing work on your windows, your first move is to understand what kind of windows you'll be dealing with. A lot of them have steps and procedures that are similar, but other require some special care and handling. Pay close attention to the size of your existing window and make sure the replacement window is going to match up. If you get the wrong size there might be some embarrassing gaps.
Replace Your Studs
To learn how to frame a window mainly gets down to one major area, and that's the studs. Your studs are the supporters of your wall and roof weight. They also give your window its structural integrity.
Studs come in many various types, and it is really important that you know about each one.
Header - The header stud is the one running across the top f your window frame. It distributes the load of studs placed above it equally across your other remaining studs.
Sill - Your sill will be the board running parallel to your window along its bottom, and gives you added structural integrity while also keeping your window from settling into your wall.
Trimmer Studs - These studs run alongside your window frame. They are what your window gets attached to directly. These are the most crucial studs when you are learning how to frame a window.
King Stud - The King stud will support the studs that are running across the total length of your wall. They carry a very significant amount of weight they surround your window.
Double-Check Your Measurements
When you learn how to frame a window you'll find that the old saying of 'measure twice' and 'cut once' is right on the money. Using those exact measurements given to you by your window manufacturer, cut your studs that are in the window's way out. Go and check your measurements again. This is crucial because if you should cut just one fraction of an inch to short you will have a window that will not fit and will not seal properly.
Frame With A Header
Once you've cut those out, you'll want to make yourself a header beam. This will transfer the load of your remove studs over to your surrounding studs that are intact. This technique is known as 'framing' and has been used for centuries. It is actually the most crucial step within the whole process. It will work to preserve your structural integrity for your wall as well as keep your roof from caving in.
The basics of learning how to frame a window is to ensure that you take the right measurements and that you attach your header beam correctly. All the rest of this process involves simple things like cutting wood and then at the end hanging your new window.
For you novice DIYers out there will very little experience in construction, learning how to frame a window really is a bit complicated and full of frustrations. There is plenty of room for making errors. However, even if it seems daunting, learning how to frame a window can also be learned by anybody who has a bent toward construction. It never hurts to consult with a professional about any part that you are unsure of. You don't want to cause any major damage the house.
About the Author : Greg works with Sooner Siding and Windows. They provide the largest selection and options for Oklahoma City siding and are commonly regarded as a leader in the home renovation industry.
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