subject: Installing New Bow Windows [print this page] The first step in installing new bow windows is to brace the ceiling. As the windows are quite long, you'll be taking out a portion of the wall. Use 2 by 4 studs placed two to three feet in from the outer wall to construct the temporary support; be sure each stud in placed under a ceiling joist or truss. Also, shut off the power to any outlets.
Use a reciprocating saw to create the opening. If necessary, use a crow bar or sledgehammer to knock away studs, framing and trim work. Put the bottom plate in position, and then, on each side of the opening, install king studs (two studs nailed together), and then place the two bow window headers in place. Nail them together with 16p nails spaced twelve inches apart at the bottom, middle and top of the headers. Now remove the temporary wall.
Next, nail in cripples (short studs) to the bottom plate so that each one is "sistered" (connected) to one of the existing studs, and trim them to match the height of the cripples. After that, nail the sill onto the tops of the cripples.
Lift the bow windows into place and use shims to hold it in place. Check it for being level at 16" intervals, place shims to hold it, and then use 10d finishing nails - nailed through each shim - to secure the window.
Install the eye hooks in the exterior side of the header, run the cables to the outer edge of the window, and tighten them so the window is slightly above being level. Then tighten the bottom to the sill. After that, put insulation in the top and enclose it, and then install flashing along the sides and bottom. Next, add the exterior siding and trim, and then the trim on the interior.
