Hi, I am thinking to replace these 2 windows with 1 big window, however, I wonder this house built with a single header or they have 2 with the support in the middle? Even with 1 header, do you think it capable to handle the load? I just don’t want to tear of the drywall… Thanks.
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It appears you have the possibility of 2 headers. or one header with a supporting 2x4 in the middle.
OH! I have a hard time to find my own post even just one minute ago :-).
Just to add these 2 windows are about 9 feet wide...
Wasn't that my question?
Wasn't that my question? :-).
Sounds like I have to tear the drywall and replace with a 4x12 header.
vince, What you need to do is to find out what header you have now ( 50/50 odds IMO) and then calculate whether it is sufficient to handle the roof load and new span. you'll be patching SR top do this jjob anyways.
Why such a large one to replace? There may be other ways to meet the goal you have in mind, whatever that is.
Vincent,
Most builders/ framers build economically. So you probably have a structure rated to span 4'-6", though there may be a single header with a center support.
Even though windows are installed from the exterior side, you may not be able to determine header dimension without removing or making probes into the drywall. It doesn't look like you'll be able to determine this after you remove the header trim on the exterior.
I get it. You want to minimize the Scope of Work and thereby limit your installation time frame. Not painting the interior, let alone drywall installation would help. You will still need to install and finish new interior moulding/ trim and window stool (interior sill). Installation can be a single day but that's only 50% of the job. Traditionally this goes unappreciated by most Homeowners.
Hope this helps,
Frankie
Sound like I have no choice to surgery the dry wall. These windows were designed to snap in from the front then the trim, so noway to tell what is the header.
Just feel like to have 1 big window instead of two...
Thanks everyone for the input. Vincent.
The size of the opening is only part of what you need to know in order to design a header for an opening.
You also need to know what's sitting on the header. Like is the house stick framed or does it have trusses? How wide is the house?
Then the roof loading comes into play. Some of us have a modest 20# live load. If you're up north you could have MUCH higher loading.
Vincent,
Is there interior trim between the two windows that could be removed to see if there are jack studs supporting 2 headers?
Mark