I’ve framed headers in exterior 2×6 walls where the header is built-up into essentially a “U” shape using a 2×3 spacer at its bottom. This created a space between the main pair of 2X’s for insulation. Is there a limit to what size of header can be framed this way?
Also, what is the best way to join the lengths of long ridges, when framing roofs?(where and how)
thanks
Listeners write in about removing masonry chimneys and ask about blocked ridge vents, deal-breakers with fixer-uppers, and flashing ledgers that are spaced from the wall.
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Replies
Ridges can butt into each other and can land anywhere where I'm from. You can if you want cut an angle one way on one side and the opposite way on the other side.
I'll post a picture later.
I've never seen a header framed the way he's talking about.I don't get the ridge the way you're describing it.We would butt two pieces together for the long ridge, then use two plywood scabs and staple the heck out of both of them.Glenn
I have never heard of a header like this, but it does add up to 5 1/2", so I guess it would work.
It's like the deck girders they always do on TV:Two 2x's bolted to each side of a post.Never seen it done here and I don't believe it would fly.Glenn
I imagine it would as you are getting the strength from the 2x's, so what is the difference?
I don't think it is, but I'm not smart enough to tell you why.Fully expect to be proven wrong, and willing to admit it.Something I'm getting used to.
Glenn,
I'll show you tomorrow when I see you. After that I'll have to kill you.......;-)
Joe Carola
I don't like that joint, but you're the framer and I'm......well, let's not get into that.Again with the kill me? Is my wife paying you?Glenn
Edited 7/14/2008 8:28 pm ET by Tashler
The Taunton book "Graphic Guide to Frame Construction", by Rob Thallon has a picture of this style of header on page 70. I'd scan it but i'm not sure of the legal ramifications?
I would have to think you're okay scanning a Taunton book onto their moderated web forum.I have seen them, just not with anyone I have ever worked with. Don't know if it would fly around my area, never having tried it.Glenn
I don't see any problem with framing a header that way, as long as the span tables are satisfied. I've seen people double up 2xs and install them flush with the exterior wall, then put a 2x3 to fill in towards the interior edge. Insulation above the 2x3. what's described here is, structurally speaking, the same thing.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
That's how I always framed them. The space gets insulation and the load gets carried. That's a win-win combo. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Limit is only the span vs the size of the header material.
I have done these headers a bunch of times and had no problems with inspectors.
Unlike the time I used a drop of a 5 1/2 x 11 1/2 glue lam over a 3' window opening and it was installed with the top facing down. Inspector read the word "TOP" when he was inspecting and wanted it torn out and flipped over. Opening had one jack rafter 5' long bearing on it.
"Unlike the time I used a drop of a 5 1/2 x 11 1/2 glue lam over a 3' window opening and it was installed with the top facing down. Inspector read the word "TOP" when he was inspecting and wanted it torn out and flipped over. Opening had one jack rafter 5' long bearing on it."Those are the inspectors that I'd like to get rid of...forever. They have no common sense. I'd have cut the works out of the wood with my planer/powersaw. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
My concern, albeit a small one, would be the bearing area for the cripple studs above the header. With your 2-1/2" void, you've cut the bearing area almost in half. I'm sure this typically wouldn't matter, but I could see a problem some times.
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
You'd have two bearing areas that are 1.5" square. That would give you 4.5 square inches total. Take that 4.5 square inches times 425 PSI (Typical value for SPF framing material around here) and you have 1,912# bearing capacity. No way are typical cripples gonna have that much weight on them, unless you have a girder truss over the window or something like that. And if you do, the header needs to be looked at anyway.
The victor will never be asked if he told the truth. [Adolf Hitler]
I guess it would depend on why you're using 2x6 studs. If you're framing the walls of a ranch house and want more room for insulation, that's one thing. On the other hand, if you are using 2x6 studs for walls of a walk-out basement with two floors and a roof overhead, you might get in trouble.I'm sitting in my basement office right now looking at a cripples above a window that have the potential for problems. The header is supporting two floors with a span of ~19' (#50/SF), two exterior walls (#100/LF), and a truss roof with a 40' span and 1' overhang (#50/SF). By my calcs, those cripples could be expected to carry 2,923 lbs. My headers are triple 2x8, but a DBL 2x12 would have been allowed by code.You probably wouldn't run into problems unless you have more than one floor above the header, but I think it's something to keep in mind.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA