I am adding another windows to a sunroom. This will go under the left corner window on the landing (see picture). So of course I will take out the left and right jack studs and cut the middle stud down. I'm wondering if I can get away with cutting only the first left and right king studs to make a stronger window header. For the windows on the right they use two 2x6's of the same length for the header. Can I leave the first 2x6 as it is and then put in a longer one below it to span the cut king studs?
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What's different about the left and right? Why can't you do the same thing on the left?– JPhi1618Mar 28, 2018 at 20:25
1 Answer
I wouldn't mess with your kings. The biggest weakness in a wall of windows like this is stiffness. You want as much lumber going full-height as possible.
Also, that's not a header. It doesn't carry any load and merely offers window flange mounting and horizontal stiffness.
Pull the jacks, double the "header" (mullion, really) and toenail it in well, and carry on.