This article addresses the issue of supporting framing around windows resulting in extra costs of both time and materials that could potentially be avoided by using alternate construction techniques. Corrective measures are also suggested.
Supporting framing around windows (left); additional savings could be realized by redesigning the wall with a single upper beam supporting the roof above the upper windows (right)
Issue
Supporting framing around windows.
Description of Implementation Error
Framing used to support and distribute the load around the windows.
Risks
Incorporating Advanced Framing techniques around the windows would greatly reduce the wood required below the top plate of the upper story, and it’s estimated that between $500 and $750 in material costs could be saved in this example alone had a single beam been used directly under the roof trusses.
Required Corrections
The amount of wood could be reduced using the same wall design, but even more significant savings could be had if the wall was redesigned with a single upper beam that supports the roof above the upper windows shown in the second photograph below left.