basement window replacement... but there is no sill plate

[crowjyne]

I have an 1886 house that was moved in the 20's. So along with many other things it is time to replace the windows in the basement. The issue is that there is no sill plate to the house. So the joists over the windows sit directly on the window frame. How should I get the load from the joist to tranfer to the wall??? Is there a good trick to deal with this situation? Or will I just need to play the blocking game? Thanks

[Rich]

:shock: I would look at some sort of steel connection. Or a flitch plate bolted to the rim joist.

[Tom R]

First, temporarily support said joist with a 2 X 4 from floor to joist, 18" in from the window (to give you room to work). Then remove your window. Then line the inside of the window openings with 2 X 8 P.T. lumber. Cut the top and bottom 'full' length of the opening width, and fit the sides in between (height of opening minus 3"). Now remove your 'temp' jack, and install your 'pre-made' replacement slider (or similar). P.S. To order your replacement window in advance, you would measure your existing window opening, then subtract 3" from your height, and 3" from your width, - - and order that as your 'opening' size, or subtract 3 1/4" from each, and order that as your 'make' size.

[kauphymug]

Figuring the joists are attached to the rim joists or header joist whatever thy are called locally, and they and the window survived the house move, the window is probably not supporting the weight of the joists.

I'll throw in another "fix", just use joist hangers to make a positive attachment. Because of the age of the rim joist you will probably have to drill for the nails, or you could use screws, still drill though. Measure the thickness, more than likely will be a full 2", check with local lumber yard for correct hangers for your situation, might have to use a strap.

[crowjyne]

Thanks for all the info. Yeah, the rim joist is thick, It is actually more like 4" thick. Who knows what I will find a the front end of the house. I think that reinforcing the connection of the rim with the joist will help. Right now the window won't close all the way with out a little help from a 2x4 wedged in under the joist. I just don't want to be stressing and replacing a new window again.

Thanks for all the good ideas. I will have to do more investigation i.e. demolition to see what will work the best.

[mjpliv]

Your joists are probably quite a bit thicker than the joist hangers available at your local building supply. Look for the hangers used in the engineered floors instead. They should be available for 1.75", 2.5" and 3.5" material.