I’m replacing a load-bearing wall with a flush header in a balloon-framed house. The studs on this wall reach from the foundation, through the first and second stories, with rafters nailed to the studs. I want to replace the studs on the first floor with a flush header, with the second floor joists supported by joist hangers fastened to the header, and the header supported on each end.
I plan to support the first-floor joists with temporary walls while I cut away the studs and replace them with a header. Do I need to do anything special on the second floor (since the studs on the second floor will have nothing supporting them temporarily)? Should I use the same support structure on the second floor?
I hope this message made sense….
Jeff
Replies
Yes, I can't see it from here but it seems to me that I might also want to have the rafter tails supported withtemp legs going to ground. I do this at about a 7 to 15 degree angle, depending on terrain and other factors to get the temp studs out of the way of my work and give me elbow room.
The other question is whether you have had the beam engineered for the load. It is carrying the floor upstairs and the roof load so depending on the lenghth, it might be 18" deep. That can be tricky to do as a flush beam.
It's a span of just about 11 feet on what I believe is a "building width" of about 13 feet. Checking with the local lumber yard, and some span tables, we decided on 2 2x10 LVL beams. I also added two 2x10s just to be sure. (Actually, the extra 2x10's were put in place to make it easier to install a flush header. I did support the attic rafters as well as the first floor, and installed the header yesterday without any immediate problems. I guess only time will tell.
Thanks for the response.
Jeff