Replies

1. 
   Sphere | May 19, 2008 03:07am | #1

   I can't see an issue. You have a mulled unit, a header, so whats the concern?

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

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1. 
   whimalar | May 19, 2008 03:23am | #2

   Well the span is 7 feet and presently there's a 2x4 in the middle that is support for the header. I'm just thinking I shouldn't be removing the 2x. I'm wondering if I can put any weight in the middle of the window where they're joined. Maybe you're right and I'm OK.

1. 
   Sphere | May 19, 2008 03:28am | #4

   You say there IS a 2x4 existing in the opening, correct?

   And you have a pair of windows with a 2x4 sandwiched between, correct?

   As long as the sandwiched 2x4 bears on the sill and  under the header, it will be replacing the existing 2x4. I can't see any issue at all, provided the existing 2x4 is just a jack and not a full stud that 2 headers are attached to ( highly unlikely, but ya never know).

   Sounds like ya scared yourself.(G)Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

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1. 
   whimalar | May 19, 2008 03:33am | #5

   I'm sure that the 2x is a jack...well pretty sure. So you think the existing 2x isn't supporting much and I can shim some weight onto the center of the mullion?

1. 
   Sphere | May 19, 2008 03:40am | #7

   Unless the header is grossly wanting to sag with the jack removed, go full speed ahead and damm them topedoes.  You should be fine.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

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2. 
   sledgehammer | May 19, 2008 03:27am | #3

   Woodwright replacement windows are ment to be installed like any other replacement window. Inside the existing jamb.

    

   I'm confused????

1. 
   whimalar | May 19, 2008 03:35am | #6

   I have a mullion replacement but the 2 windows I thought were a mullion are actually 2 seperate windows made to look like a mullion with a 2x4 support inbetween. To install my Woodwright I have to remove the 2x4 support.

1. 
   Danno | May 19, 2008 03:44am | #8

   I don't think that those who responded so far understood what you clarified in your last post--that what you have now are really two windows with a vertical 2x4 support between them. The 2x4 is midway in a 7 foot long 2x8 header (with joists resting on it). What you want to do is remove the 2x4 mid-span support and put in a 7 foot wide window. I would say off hand that that is not a good idea. Could you replace the header with a deeper one? Or a glu-lam? What about putting in two replacement windows each side of the support?

1. 
   Sphere | May 19, 2008 04:04am | #10

   And why can't the 2x4 joining the two units act as a jack? Am I missing something? As long as it is tight to the header and sill where's it gonna go?Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

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1. 
   Danno | May 19, 2008 04:30am | #12

   I thought the OP was saying that he thought there was one window with a thin (non-load bearing, decorative) mullion in the middle, only to find out after starting to remove that old single window, that in fact it was really two windows with a weight supporting 2x4 (jack) in the middle. If he takes that jack out and sticks one big window in the resulting opening, I'm saying there might be a problem. But, maybe not, maybe the header can span 7 feet--I don't know--I don't know what weight the header is supporting. I just think he should check it all out before willy-nilly ripping out a load bearing jack.

2. 
   Sphere | May 19, 2008 04:39am | #13

   Sounds to me like the 2x4 existing in the hole is likely a spacer to tie the old windows together, I have never seen a single load bearing jack under a continuos header.

   And the NEW window(S) HAVE a 2x4 to Mull them into one unit. The 2x4 may be to make up an opening dimension that he has, using stock unit sizes.

   Nomatter what, a picture would be worth a 1000 words at this point, but I still stand with my assesment.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

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3. 
   rlrefalo | May 19, 2008 04:53am | #14

   Sphere, why do you think there is a 2x4 between  the two new windows ? Unless they were ordered with a structural mull, I bet it's just the two butted together.

   Rich

4. 
   Sphere | May 19, 2008 04:57am | #15

   My bad, I miss read the op.

   Still,I think hes ok.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

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5. 
   whimalar | May 19, 2008 05:41am | #16

   Thanks everyone for your info. I'll know more tomorrow when I get into it more. I think it's odd to have just one 2x as a jack so maybe it's just a spacer. I purchased the Woodwright as a mullion unit but haven't looked at it's construction to see what weight bearing it might take.
   I'm hoping you're right Sphere but I'm a little concerned. I'll know more tomorrow. Thanks a lot guys for your help. The Woodwrights are special order so can't be returned. Maybe I can seperate them and put them in as two windows but not sure. Thanks again for the help.
   Whimalar

6. 
   Jackall | May 19, 2008 06:02am | #17

   2/8 header spanning 7 feet in a load bearing wall (EG. not and gable end) is mighty meager. Few modern windows are meant to carry anything and may jam if loaded.

   1) are you sure it is just 2x8's?

   2) Windows often can be split up, but it is easy to make a hash of the frame as they are usually waffle plated together. Not to mention messing up the exterior finish/ integrity.

   Choices include:

   Take it back, get an engineer to rate the header, strengthen the existing header.

   If the header is spaced with 1/2 shims (as opposed to 1/2" plywood) to make it 3 1/2",  you can cut out the lower half of these shims and inset a filch beam of metal and bolt/lag it in place. 4" by 1/2" should be more than enough. Given the cost of steel and the aggravation, a new window might be cheaper.

3. 
   m2akita | May 19, 2008 03:59am | #9

   Call up Anderson Windows and ask their tech department if you can put your new unit in using the center mullion as a "jack".

   Is there any easy way to verify What your header actually is?  Im thinking that a double 2x8 will be a little undersized for that span ( 7 ft).  Whats cheaper? Replaceing the header with a properly sized one or returning the mullion unit and getting two individual windows?

    

   Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.
4. 
   rlrefalo | May 19, 2008 04:13am | #11

    Are you saying that you purchased the windows joined together?  Usually that is done at the distributor, so you should be able to seperate them and install them on either side of the center jack. Add some pvc trim outside and all is good.

   Rich