How to Build Facade Windows

Design windows to work structurally with the overall house framework. Allow a window opening that fits with all framing details both inside the home and outside, taking into account interior wall placement, for example. Select the windows or glass panels before cutting any wall framing.

Ask an expert carpenter to examine the wall studs, I-beams and floor joists on each level of the house in relation to the placement of new windows you want to install. Add an engineered beam in the ceiling space above a window if you plan to change wall support in a major way.

Build the window opening by finding the center of the new row of windows. Measure the complete width of a bay window unit or find the center of several single windows you will install side by side. Mark this center point on the wall and work around it to space the windows. Define the overall size of the window space. Add 3 inches to the total height and 3 inches to the total width to provide room to manueuver the windows into place.

Construct the wall framing with the window opening built into the overall structure. Cut wall framing from 2-by-4-inch boards or larger. Build wall studs beyond the window opening on 16-inch centers. Construct the actual opening for the row of windows by making a header of 2-by-8 boards and nailing king studs on each side of the window opening. Add trimmer studs just inside the kind studs.

Cut short criple studs from 2-by-4-inch boards that will reach from the top of the window header to the top plate of the wall. Nail cripple studs, toenailing them in at an angle, to reach from the bottom of the window ledge to the bottom plate of the wall.

Make the cuts with a reciprocating saw or circular saw. Reinforce the opening by doubling cripple studs on the bottom to help hold up the weight of large windows or glass sections. Add reinforcement under the guidance of a carpentry expert, avoiding movement in the windows to protect the glass.

Install shims that each window unit rests upon to level the unit. Dry fit each window section with the help of other people. Paint all wooden parts of the window surfaces with primer, even those parts that only touch the house. Brush on alcohol-based primer that dries quickly.

Lift each window into place. Screw the window to house framing with an electric screwdriver according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Pack insulation around the window cavities very loosely. Do not pack the insulation tight, or the windows may jam. Cover the window edges with casings that fit flush with house siding. Nail them in place and cover nail holes with wood caulking. Apply molding as needed around the perimeter of the window unit with nails as well.