Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Header over a window
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tcrawsh
10-17-02, 02:35 PM
I am removing the screens from my screen porch and putting two 7' x 4' triple glider windows along the outside wall. The wall is 17' long and has 4"x4" support columns at each corner and the middle. There is a 3' knee wall. I have 2 2x8 header running the length of the wall. For a 30 psf snow load on a 20 ' wall, it is reccomended that the header for a window on a wall be no more than 6' 0 for headers made from 2 2x8s. Question, Do I consider this wall 17' long or only 8.5', because I have the center column in the wall? If I need to beef up the 2x8 header, what can I use?
Doug Aleshire
10-17-02, 05:20 PM
tcrawsh,
Header span is based upon the openings only. The remaining wall system is usually double plated not requiring header stock.
Based upon what you have, you have 3 options;
Since you know that the 2- 2x8's cannot span the 7'3", and in fact, 3 - 2x8's will not do it although there are those that would do this. Semi-acceptable but not sufficient per lumber span requirements, snow load.
1. Depending on the interior finish look and whatever is on the outside, you could apply an additional 2x8 over the windows only and place 2 trimmers on each side.
WHAT I PROPOSE HERE IS NOT GOING TO BE ALL THAT EASY DUE TO WHERE THE NAILS WERE PLACED ON SISTERING UP THE EXISTING 2X8 HEADER - HOPEFULLY THE NAILS ARE ACCESSIBLE FROM THE INSIDE. TRY TO REMOVE THESE THEN CUT;
2. Cut from the inside, 1 existing 2x8 header and install a 1 3/4" x 9 1/4" LVL + 3" over each opening. If the existing header has a shim stock inbetween, remove this as well.
3. Cut from the inside, 1 existing 2x8 header and install a 1 3/4" x 9 1/4" LVL x the total length needed to cover both openings + 3". If the existing header has a shim stock inbetween, remove this as well.
Depending on what you prefer, 2 or 3 is the best option for stability, no bowing. Good sawzall, sharp blade, you're in business! Windows will operate well forever!
Hope this helps, if you have more questions, just ask!
Header span is based upon the openings only. The remaining wall system is usually double plated not requiring header stock.
Based upon what you have, you have 3 options;
Since you know that the 2- 2x8's cannot span the 7'3", and in fact, 3 - 2x8's will not do it although there are those that would do this. Semi-acceptable but not sufficient per lumber span requirements, snow load.
1. Depending on the interior finish look and whatever is on the outside, you could apply an additional 2x8 over the windows only and place 2 trimmers on each side.
WHAT I PROPOSE HERE IS NOT GOING TO BE ALL THAT EASY DUE TO WHERE THE NAILS WERE PLACED ON SISTERING UP THE EXISTING 2X8 HEADER - HOPEFULLY THE NAILS ARE ACCESSIBLE FROM THE INSIDE. TRY TO REMOVE THESE THEN CUT;
2. Cut from the inside, 1 existing 2x8 header and install a 1 3/4" x 9 1/4" LVL + 3" over each opening. If the existing header has a shim stock inbetween, remove this as well.
3. Cut from the inside, 1 existing 2x8 header and install a 1 3/4" x 9 1/4" LVL x the total length needed to cover both openings + 3". If the existing header has a shim stock inbetween, remove this as well.
Depending on what you prefer, 2 or 3 is the best option for stability, no bowing. Good sawzall, sharp blade, you're in business! Windows will operate well forever!
Hope this helps, if you have more questions, just ask!