Will this window framing idea work?

[Wild Turkey]

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Planning the new house.  Several years ago I happened upon a surplus auction for the hospital and came home with 9 of their big insulated windows -- 3'6" x 4'6" -- for $1 each IIRC


Now we're going to use them.  I'm concerned that the folks who have to "approve" my plans will question the strength of the wall since it's not "standard".

The above is a section of the wall I'm designing.

Hoping someone in the brain trust here can make some educated comments on the idea.

There will be four of these units, separated by the 2x6, 2x8 columns.

Any guidance out there

[goaliedad]

I am not an expert, but everyone has an opinion

I think you need to beef up the header, and include jack studs for both the header and window sill plate

[fixtureman]

Are these going to be interior or exterior windows.  If they are in a load bearing wall you will need a header sized for the opening

[Phil Thien]

Are these going to be interior or exterior windows.  If they are in a load bearing wall you will need a header sized for the opening

Right, I don't understand the reasoning for eliminating it?

[Wild Turkey]

Right, I don't understand the reasoning for eliminating it?

Didn't eliminate, just haven't drawn it yet


Would 3-2x10 be big enough?

[tomsteve]

Would 2x10 be big enough?

probably doubled 2 by 10. gonna have to check local codes,though. might only need 2 by 8 doubled.

[Wild Turkey]

Yes, exterior wall.

What size header do I need?

[EricU]

fine homebuilding had an article about saving wood, and it talked about headers.  They pointed out that the rim joists can be made to work as headers. Not sure how hard it would be to find that article.

[Snipe Hunter]

Yes, exterior wall.

What size header do I need?

Everything I learned about framing, I learned from Larry Haun. If he doesn't do it, I don't do it. A wizard with a hammer. He's on YouTube doing videos for Fine Homebuilding. Unfortunately, I couldn't find one with him framing a window.

Here's a good video  on window framing basics.
 


Look up local codes for spans and header sizes. It's probably on the county website.

Larry Haun has a good book "Homebuilding Basics Carpentry".  Anybody with a hammer should own it. Here

[Snipe Hunter]

Basic header