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When finishing an attic many
homeowners like to include additional natural lighting in their plans. This
generally translates into having to frame an attic window. Normally the
attic window is installed on the gable end of the house, unless attic
dormers are also part of the attic conversion plans.
When I frame in an attic window I
prefer to install the framing first before cutting out the hole for the
window.
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This limits the time the interior of
the home is exposed to the elements and allows for an easier job of cutting out
the window frame opening.
Tools and Materials Required
Tools required include a hammer, or
nail gun, a Sawzall, drill with 1” drill bit, and a caulking gun. Materials
required include an attic window, 2x4s and/or 2x6s or 2x8s, 16 penny nails or
the equivalent for the nail gun, flashing, and caulk.
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Photo By Mark Donovan |
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How to Frame an Attic Window
To frame in an attic window start by
marking on the inside wall the rough location of the attic window.
Next, depending upon the size of your
attic window you most likely will need to remove a section of wall stud. If it
is a large window, more than one stud may need to be cut.
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Before cutting any studs, however,
check with your local building inspector to make sure you are not cutting a load
bearing wall.
Once you have removed the section of
wall stud, you can begin to frame in the attic window. Start first by framing in
the vertical stud members known as king studs. These studs run the length of the
wall.
Next frame in short jack studs and a
window sill plate to create the bottom cripple wall for the attic window to rest
on.
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Next install jack studs, or trimmer
studs, on top of the window sill plate and along the sides of the king studs.
Finally, install a header on top of
the trimmer studs to create the rough opening of the attic window frame. Note
that the rough opening for a window frame is usually 2-3 inches wider and taller
than the dimensions of the window itself.
When framing the header for the attic
window, use two 2x6’s or 2x8s turned on their side, with filler lumber
in-between them as necessary to achieve the appropriate wall thickness.
Once you have completed the attic
window frame, use your drill to create a couple of pilot holes in the inside
corners of the attic window frame. The pilot holes will allow you to insert the
Sawzall blade.
Next nail a couple of blocks of wood
to the surface of the wall sheathing in the center of the window frame. The
blocks of wood will give you and your helper something to grip when pulling the
cut away sheathing inside the attic.
Use your Sawzall to then cut around
the window frame opening. Again, you want to make sure you are cutting on the
inside of the window frame.
After cutting out the window frame
opening, insert your attic window and fasten it to the exterior of the home.
There are typically nailing tabs on the window to attach the window to the side
of the house. Note that you may need to cut away some of the house siding around
the window opening to allow the nailing tabs to sit flush with the exterior
sheathing surface. This can be tricky. It is best to mark the siding with a
pencil and then use a skill saw set at a shallow depth, (e.g. ½”) and run the
saw around the perimeter of the attic window frame opening.
Make sure to flash around the window
properly to prevent water infiltration. Finally trim out around the exterior of
the window and caulk it.
For more help on how to build a custom home, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
New Home
Construction Bid Sheet.
The
New Home Construction Bid Sheet
provides you with the knowledge you will need on how to plan for the building of
a custom home,
and what to look for when hiring contractors for your new custom home building
project. It
also includes a detailed cost breakdown table and spreadsheet for estimating
your own new custom home building costs.
How to Finance your Home Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Additional Framing and Carpentry Resources
Framing and Carpentry Tools from Amazon.com
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