Replacing window with Patio door

I'm planning to replace a 48" wide window with a 60" sliding patio door. The section of wall has no electrical or plumbing, so that's a good start! The also house has vinyl siding and drywall interior. This is my first attempt at something like this, it's a 60yr old 2 story house.

I have to expand the rough opening to the next studs on both sides of the window (68") and create king studs and header for a preframed door at 60"x80".

My main concern is replacing the weight carrying header above the window, the room above has nothing in it, so not as much weight I guess, but is it normal for 20 minutes or so to just cut out the opening, add the king studs and insert the header while not reinforcing the opening at all?

It seems to be the way I've seen it done, just checking...don't want my house falling down!


also, will a recip saw be ok to not damage the vinyl siding too much?

 

I build a temporary support wall a foot carry the weight when replacing headers. Most of the time it's not needed but several times it has been very needed.

 

Siding should be removed completely where the door is going, never cut with a sawzall! (always start at the top and work your way down.
Once the framings in place the sheathing can be then cut out with a sawzall held at a slight angle to make sure there nothing left sticking out beyond the framing.
Make use and use window and door tape over the nailing fin on the top and sides.
Add a piece of Z bar above the door, make sure the house wrap lays over it not behind it.
Then the door can be trimmed with 5/8 J molding before the siding goes back up.
It's alway best to install the bottom of the door in a sill pan.
Jamsill Guard Door and Window Sill Pan Flashing.
I alway install a piece of 1 X 6 PVC lumber held tight against the bottom of the threshold with trim head screws and trim around it.
This keeps the threshold from twisting from stepping on it, also helps keep the water out.

 

thanks guys, waiting for the door to arrive this week, great idea about the 1x6 on the threshold. I think i have a few extra 2x4s to make a quick support as well