Residential block of windows

[simonswb6]

Came upon this and was looking for some different opinions. This is a 10ft high, by 8ft wide window array. To me, it appears that the dead load from the top 2 rows of windows is being dumped onto the bottom row of windows. The only thing holding the window sill plate into the wood column for the upper 2 rows of windows is nails, no hangers, no jack studs, nothing. I recommended re-framing with steel posts and weld some steel angles so the sill plates would have a seat to fit into. If that is too expensive, make up some steel angles and lag bolt into the existing wood posts, and create seats, same effect as above. In my opinion, if the basement settles or you get some high wind loads, there could be some problems here.

 

[Ron]

what you are showing would likely not pass any required testing. Suggest that three tests be performed:

structural test (pressure is applied to the assembly to accommodate expected wind loads)

air infiltration test (checks air leakage)

water intrusion test (checks for water leakage)

The configuration of your windows is correct....the sash frames to the mullion.

 

[csd72]

I would expect that two toe nails each end would be more than sufficient for this small area of window.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Looks pretty common to me. The two center vertical studs carry the load and the sills just hold the windows in. Nail it or screw it and you should be good to go.

 

[bimr]

I would add to MiketheEngineer's comments.

Sometimes windows are furnished as an assembly and need to be field assembled prior to installation. Manufacturers ship the window asssembly broken down in pieces.

It is hard to tell from the picture, but you may have three (3) window assemblies where each set of three windows should be fastened together prior to installation.

I recall having a house built with a window having 4 sections. The contractor nailed the 4 sections only on the outside permeter of the rough-in. Since there was no attachement in the inside center, it was unrestrained and loose.

That windows had to be pulled back out, fastened toegether and re-installed.

Like MiketheEngineer stated, the interior studs on the rough-in will carry the load.

 

[boo1]

Issues:
1. no header, (truss loads on the window frames)
2. no truss ties
3. no straps
4. negative pressure will be a structrual issue

Refame with 2-2x12 header. double vertical studs to seperate the windows. Have the 3 high units mulled together. Use peel and seal to weather stip out side nailing flanges. Insure lower window is safety glass as required by code.

 

[simonswb6]

thank you for all the comments, nice to get a different perspective on things.. These are all separate windows installed and are not put together as a window assembly from the manufacturer.

>1. no header, (truss loads on the window frames)
hard to tell in this picture, however, there is flush header behind the windows made of a double 12" LVL to pick up the roof and portion of the floor over the window.

i was looking at the window from the perspective of you would not frame a single window by just toe nailing the sill, you would add a jack on either side. In this case, you do not have room for the extra framing, so i felt at a minimum some angles to make a seat for the sill would be appropriate. I know, the shear load on a single 16d nail is around 600lbs and extra support maybe overkill...

 

[simonswb6]

>around 600lbs
this should read 100 lbs or 600 if you used 3 nails each side of the sill.