Hi all, 

I’m replacing windows in an old adobe house in CO.  There is two windows on a gable end wall where the owner ordered one window to replace them. The old windows in question have a center post of original 2×4 rough lumber. I’m concerned about removing that center support from the header and I’m not very familiar with adobe construction. I do notice some hairline cracks in the stucco finish above the window already.

The span is 50″ across. Would it be feasible to put 3/8″ metal plate attached to the center underside of the header to add support?

Am I overthinking this? In the same room there is a large window on the opposite wall. It appears to have the same size header without a center support and spans 70″ across.

I’ve included pictures of both windows if that helps.

Thanks for any advice.