Replies

1. 
   coonass | Jan 14, 2003 02:58am | #1

   Rick,

   Don't need one but I like a small box header to make the RO stiff.

   KK

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jan 14, 2003 06:19am | #2

   I understand part of the theory, which is that the roof loads are on the side walls, but what about the sideing and framing loads above the door?  What carries those loads if there's no header?

2. 
   Piffin | Jan 14, 2003 06:23am | #3

   Any exterior wall is a load bearing wall to some degree. It has to resist wind loads and dead loads.

   ROT 2- 2x6 for this.

   Minimum

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/13/2003 10:23:45 PM ET by piffin

1. 
   caldwellbob | Jan 14, 2003 08:36am | #4

   Good call. Correct, as usual.

2. 
   FastEddie1 | Jan 14, 2003 05:17pm | #5

   Not sure what ROT is, except it's what I find in a lot of houses.  Rough Opening T___?

   There has been some discussion on the forum about deleting headers in the gable walls, and the difficulty in convincing the framers to do so.  So am I correct that a simple 2-2x6 thingie is a header but not a HEADER?  Same question with regard to double top plates...seem to remember some discussion about not needing them in interior non-load bearing walls, and possibly gable walls.

1. 
   Redfly | Jan 14, 2003 07:17pm | #6

   We typically use double top plates on virtually all walls, regardless of bearing status for several reasons, the main being that inter-tying the double plates is the best way to tie interior walls together, keep them in place and ease the task of plumbing and lining.  An exception being on low non-bearing knee walls at sloped ceilings, where the double plate serves no function.

3. 
   RobP22 | Jan 14, 2003 07:32pm | #7

   piffin's right about the 2 2x6's, but I would also slip in a 1/2" plywood spacer btw the 2 so your header sits flush on the trimmers.

4. 
   rickhaigh | Jan 14, 2003 11:23pm | #8

   I wanted to thank everyone for their responses.  I will plan on using a double 2x6 with a 1/2" plywood spacer. 

   Rick

1. 
   Piffin | Jan 15, 2003 04:27am | #9

   ROT = rule of thumb

   doubled 2x6 is a header

   The ply is just a shim/filler.

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jan 15, 2003 04:48am | #11

   OK, I knew what the 2-2x6 was, and I've used 1/2" ply filler...just didn't recognize ROT.

5. 
   jarcolio | Jan 15, 2003 04:45am | #10

   Rule of thumb 2x6 - 6 foot opening; 2x8 - 8 foot opening and so on 2X10 - 10 ft opening

1. 
   Piffin | Jan 15, 2003 05:02am | #12

   Dudley, You've got it, but that's except when carrying a living space floor above it..

   Excellence is its own reward!