Modifying Door and Window Openings

Modifying a window opening, or moving a door, can be done efficiently on-site, however, the frame fabricator’s approval should be given prior to commencing any work.

Once approvals have been given, the modification process is as follows for moving an opening:

1. Mark up the new location of the window or door.
2. Adequately temporarily prop up any load-bearing members affected by the modification.
3. Cut the noggin’s vertical sides first, being aware load transfers can jam the saw.
4. Remove the noggin screws and bend, snap and remove the excess noggin length. Retain the excess as a template for the noggin needed to extend on the other side of the door/window.
5. Using tin snips, cut along the remaining noggin’s 90-degree bend to the depth equivalent to the stud depth, allowing the overlap section to be removed.
6. Trim sharp edges to mitre the corner.
7. Remove screws of the window/door and move into its new location, plumb to the frames’ final location, and then fasten.
8. Align, insert and fasten the replacement stud.
9. The replacement noggin will then need to be made, please refer to the topic Making New Noggins

Note other strengthening work may need to be carried out, particularly for load-bearing walls. Always follow frame fabricators engineered instructions. 

For information on how to make a LGS noggin, see TRUECORE® steel's instructions in the Resources below. Also see our topic and video, Making New Noggins.