Replies

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Jul 05, 2007 10:56pm | #1

   Some do. Depends on your local code inspectors/authority.

    

    

    

   Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.

2. 
   dovetail97128 | Jul 05, 2007 11:02pm | #2

   arvel ,
   What type truss is on top of the wall ?

   If it is a true truss than you need no header as the truss is carrying the load.

   If it is what we here call a "gable end truss" it is non load bearing in terms of spanning anything and you need a header.

   "Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca

1. 
   arvel | Jul 06, 2007 04:31am | #4

   yea it's a gable end truss with vertical 2x4's turned the 1 1/2" way.It really doesn't function like a truss. I was hoping to avoid a 2x10 header since I only have 9 3/4" to top plate and a wire running just below the top plate.

1. 
   dovetail97128 | Jul 06, 2007 04:45am | #5

   Not an engineer. I would use a 4x 6 if I had one, assuming 2x 4 framing. I believe a 4 x 4 would handle the span easily though.
   "Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca

2. 
   rvieceli | Jul 06, 2007 05:43am | #7

   Last time I looked a 2x10 was 9.25 inches. If you have 9.75, you may be ok even with the wire.

   2x8 would be 7.25 if I misunderstood what your 9.75 was covering. If you included a 1.5 top plate in it.

    

   Ron

3. 
   grpphoto | Jul 06, 2007 06:19am | #9

   So why not go with 2x8s? Why 2x6?George Patterson

1. 
   arvel | Jul 06, 2007 05:52pm | #10

   I think a 2x10 header is required on exterior load bearing wall, according to IBC 2003. I have built a sandwich header, 2x10-1/2"strips-2x10. I put a groove in top of header, leaving 1 1/4" wood in front of wires as per code. We'll see what inspector says. Thanks for all your input.

1. 
   karp | Jul 06, 2007 06:40pm | #11

   IMO, a good solution.

   Personally, the minimun size header I will use is 2x8. On some tear-outs, I've seen 2x6 headers deflect as much as an inch. If I recall correctly, the span was 56" over a window in the perimeter wall, main floor, bungalow. So, in that instance, the header was over-spanned but it showed me how much movement can happen. Another reason not to play Engineer.

3. 
   JTC1 | Jul 06, 2007 12:26am | #3

   Pends'

   Is door in the top or only floor?

   Is it a gable end truss (looks like a standard rake wall when viewed from inside attic)?

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

4. 
   andybuildz | Jul 06, 2007 05:34am | #6

   dbl 2x6 w a steel flitch plate?

    

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5. 
   grpphoto | Jul 06, 2007 06:18am | #8

   Double 2x6s with a layer of 1/2" hardwood plywood in between.

   George Patterson