Hi All,
I need to replace an existing patio door with two double hung windows, about the same width. Problem is, that I have to move the windows over about 4 1/2" to the right in order to be symmetrical with the windows on the other side of the room, flanking my fireplace (photo attached, I hope). The door is located on a gable end of my home, in my living room where the ceiling goes from 8' to 12' at the peak. Is there any way to extend the header the 4 1/2" without removing and replacing the existing header? If not, I guess I'll have to live with the asymmetry. It would be a tremendous amount of work. Thanks.

In order for a header to supply the support, it has to be one continuous piece of lumber supported on each end. I can see no way to open up opening 4 1/2'' without moving header.

U could put a steel finch plate in between the old outer part of header and a new inner part of header, but this would be overkill and expensive. The inner part of header and steel plate would have to run from existing studding to new studding with jack studs to hold it up and bolted to old header.

Chuck

Hi Chuck,
Thanks for the info. I'm going to hope for the best as far as how long the header is. I'll venture into the project this week. Otherwise, it may have to remain asymmetrical. Regards

I pretty much agree with Chuck but wonder if this is a load bearing wall? Nearly every exterior window and door will have a header but on non-load bearing walls you have a few options