b'2. The ceiling beams above must be supportedduring the construction. Proper installation of all windows and doors includes a header and jack studs on either side. This assembly transfers the weight from the structure above, sort of around the window, and transfers the weight to the floor below.When you make the opening larger, the existingheader must be removed, and a new header insertedbetween the studs in the outer wall, and new jackstuds inserted to transfer the weight supported bythe longer header, again to the floor.While you are removing the old header and installingthe new one, the beams in the ceiling above need tobe supported. You can do this with a 2x4 minimum,spanning a greater width than the new window ordoor, held up snug by 2x4s as shown. Do this asclose to the outside wall as is practical.3. Carefully re-establish the water managementsystem in thewall.The new windowor door will beexposed to moreoutside weather,and if it is adoor, then the sill will besubject to water intrusionif it is not properly crafted.Study theinstallation procedures for Bay, Bowand Gardenwindows andentry and patiodoors for thesteps needed to create a proper watermanagement system for the newly added unit. Onceyou are adding a new header and support framing,the techniques for new construction will apply.The good news is that when making the opening bigger, finishing the exterior siding and trim and theinterior wallboard and molding is simpler becausethe pieces you might remove are not destroyed andshould be able to be trimmed to size and reused.Window Fitters Guide to Window Installation 124Contents 2020-Do not reproduce without permission'