I’m supposed to help my neighbor put in his new, 96 inch wide double French doors..Problem is his current header sitting in a 93 inch RO space …(He mismeasured the rough opening when placing his order for a new door). I don’t own a ‘board stretcher’ so what do we do? I suspect we’ll have to remove the old header and put in a new one that is just 3 inches longer..Is that the only solution?? Since it was a special order, he can’t return the door and get a shorter one.. This door is replacing a bow window that is in a 93 inch RO space….HELP!!!
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Replies
You'll need to reframe with a new header. I can't think of any alternative.
Yes, that is what I've finally concluded..BUMMER....THanks for the response...
1) Sell the door on Ebay and buy a new one.
2) Tear the wall apart and install a longer header.
3) Cut down the door.
Move to a different neighborhood?
Tune, what’s above this area?
Are there double cripples each side under that header ?
Is this in an area requiring inspection?
Thanks.
Sometimes long headers are supported by double jacks (or trimmers) to provide bearing strength. Sometimes the inner jacks can be removed and the necessary support provided by metal brackets going to framing members further outboard. It may be necessary to rout out shallow recesses for the brackets in order to maintain a flat finished wall.
It's kind of chickenshit and may be more hassle than reframing with a longer header, but, still, worth considering. If the header carries significant weight, one advantage is the ability to support it with temporary studs while you mess around with the outboard ends. You may want to consult with an engineer who's creative enough to see past standard solutions and gutsy enough to sign her name.
Reframe with correct header.