Does This Window to Door Conversion Work Structurally?

We want to install a deck on the back of our house and the only logical place to for door opening is off of the garage. As you can see we have an existing opening with a window that has a header above it. We are trying to figure out what would be the easiest, but still meet code requirements as well as function properly. You can see the existing measurements in the first picture and the proposed door installation and framing in the second. This is not saying this is exactly how it would be framed necessarily but more of an inquiry. Would the existing header although at the top plate and larger than the door opening be allowed by using cripple studs BELOW the header? Do we tear out the existing header and install a brand new header appropriate for the door size and location? Do we keep the existing header then add another header where the door would be (this seems like the most unlikely option)? In my very basic understanding, the header is basically transferring the load to the king and jack studs and in this case preventing the load from being placed on the window. Since the load is already being transferred I wouldn't see why it would need to be changed structurally, although I could understand visually it may look a bit odd. Now by not having a header directly above the door can that cause issues with the door frame rigidity itself? I appreciate all input and can answer any questions that I may have not drawn in the photo. submitted by /u/StL_NinjaMan [link] [comments]

Apr 7, 2025 - 05:06

We want to install a deck on the back of our house and the only logical place to for door opening is off of the garage. As you can see we have an existing opening with a window that has a header above it. We are trying to figure out what would be the easiest, but still meet code requirements as well as function properly. You can see the existing measurements in the first picture and the proposed door installation and framing in the second. This is not saying this is exactly how it would be framed necessarily but more of an inquiry.

Would the existing header although at the top plate and larger than the door opening be allowed by using cripple studs BELOW the header?

Do we tear out the existing header and install a brand new header appropriate for the door size and location?

Do we keep the existing header then add another header where the door would be (this seems like the most unlikely option)?

In my very basic understanding, the header is basically transferring the load to the king and jack studs and in this case preventing the load from being placed on the window. Since the load is already being transferred I wouldn't see why it would need to be changed structurally, although I could understand visually it may look a bit odd. Now by not having a header directly above the door can that cause issues with the door frame rigidity itself? I appreciate all input and can answer any questions that I may have not drawn in the photo.

submitted by /u/StL_NinjaMan
[link] [comments]