LVL Garage Header

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 09-19-2009, 10:53 PM   #1
Registered User
 
dvd's Avatar
 
Trade: contractor
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 18

LVL Garage Header


Customer has contracted there own foundation crew and we are to build off of there finished block basement. The block crew is going to put in the headers above two 9x8 garage door openings. These are on the hip side of the roof with one floor above. My question is instead of nailing the two 16" LVL'S together they are making a box header with insulation in between LVL'S. The LVL'S are approximatly 5" apart. Do you think this will be ok being only one of the LVL'S will be under the rim board for the floor and also be supporting the wall/hip roof frameing above?

dvd is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 09-19-2009, 11:37 PM   #2
I used to think so.......
 
wallmaxx's Avatar
 
Trade: My words are OPINIONS and hold no REAL value. 2012
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: WA State
Posts: 2,202

Re: LVL Garage Header


Quote:
Originally Posted by dvd View Post
Customer has contracted there own foundation crew and we are to build off of there finished block basement. The block crew is going to put in the headers above two 9x8 garage door openings. These are on the hip side of the roof with one floor above. My question is instead of nailing the two 16" LVL'S together they are making a box header with insulation in between LVL'S. The LVL'S are approximatly 5" apart. Do you think this will be ok being only one of the LVL'S will be under the rim board for the floor and also be supporting the wall/hip roof frameing above?
I might be off with what I am envisioning.

Basement block wall (8") with (2) 9-0 8-0 doors in the block, so the garage is in the basement.

Are they putting one LVL to the inside for the door track and motor stuff to be attached to? Typically I see a double header flushed to the outside of framing with the inside space filled with rigid foam for insulation. On garages we furr out flush to the inside so that sheetrock and hardware are all flush.

As far as a single 16" x 1 3/4" LVL under the rim, spanning 9'-3", only your engineering will tell you if that is acceptable.

So, is the rim going to sit parallel directly on top of the outside LVL? That seems sketchy. I guess if they "box" it like you say with a 2x8 cap top and bottom it might be okay. Sorry I'm not much help......I am a picture oriented kind of man.....if you have a second to sketch out what you have I can be less "out there flappin."

Last edited by wallmaxx; 09-19-2009 at 11:40 PM.
wallmaxx is offline  
Old 09-20-2009, 12:06 AM   #3
Registered User
 
dvd's Avatar
 
Trade: contractor
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 18

Re: LVL Garage Header


They are putting one lvl on outside block wall directly under rim board and the other flush with inside block wall with the sill plate running along the top to cap it off. On the bottom there is a 2X cut to fit up in between the lvl's.
dvd is offline  
Old 09-20-2009, 12:13 AM   #4
Pro
 
Meetre's Avatar
 
Trade: Carpentry
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 646

Re: LVL Garage Header


sounds "iffy" with only one lvl under the load. may want to talk to an engineer.
Meetre is offline  
Old 09-20-2009, 12:28 AM   #5
Pro
 
KennMacMoragh's Avatar
 
Trade: Repair/Remodel
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,245
Send a message via MSN to KennMacMoragh

Re: LVL Garage Header


I've never seen a garage header with two lvl's put together. But if your plans show them that way, then don't deviate from it. If it doesn't pass inspection, having to remodel a garage header is a real pain.

But why would you want to insulate a garage header? Are they planning on keeping the garage nice and warm? Plus if the garage doors aren't insulated then how much good will insulating the headers do?
KennMacMoragh is offline  
Old 09-20-2009, 12:34 AM   #6
Registered User
 
dvd's Avatar
 
Trade: contractor
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 18

Re: LVL Garage Header


The plans don't show a header for the doors only has a foundation plan for basement. So guess they feel this is the way to go. I am not for sure on this one. I believe the one 16" LVL would be ok on the outside under the rim board. Hate to jump in and tell the foundation crew how to build a header since they have probably done them this way many times before. What to do?
dvd is offline  
Old 09-20-2009, 12:38 AM   #7
Pro
 
Meetre's Avatar
 
Trade: Carpentry
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 646

Re: LVL Garage Header


I would check with whom ever drew up the plans.
Meetre is offline  
Old 09-20-2009, 05:22 AM   #8
Registered User
 
travis framing's Avatar
 
Trade: framing contractor
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 4

Re: LVL Garage Header


I also cant imagine why they would want to insulate between the headers and why are the block guys in stalling headers anyway? Evenso, they should be slammed together and furring put on the inside, they will hold the load no prob iv'e actually done that a couple times, just make sure the out side lvl is flush with the block, will sux come time for sheathing.
travis framing is offline  
Old 09-20-2009, 12:17 PM   #9
Curmudgeon
 
neolitic's Avatar
 
Trade: carpentry/remodeling/"Yes M'am we do"
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Beech Grove, Indiana, Birthplace of the "King of Cool"
Posts: 11,707

Re: LVL Garage Header


I'm calling B/S.
I've read all of your posts.
Either you are a HO trying to
act as your own general, or
you are second guessing your GC
on every move and coming here
for ammunition.
__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)
neolitic is offline  
The Following User Says Thank You to neolitic For This Useful Post:
wallmaxx (09-20-2009)
Old 09-20-2009, 12:51 PM   #10
Pro
 
Warren's Avatar
 
Trade: framing/remodeling
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 3,691

Re: LVL Garage Header


Quote:
Originally Posted by KennMacMoragh View Post
I've never seen a garage header with two lvl's put together. But if your plans show them that way, then don't deviate from it. If it doesn't pass inspection, having to remodel a garage header is a real pain.

But why would you want to insulate a garage header? Are they planning on keeping the garage nice and warm? Plus if the garage doors aren't insulated then how much good will insulating the headers do?
Really??
I have never seen a single ply Lvl garage header in my entire life. I would think that spacing these two plys 5 inches apart is a definite no no. That being said, I would never ask for engineering advice here. Nobody here is gonna sign off on this no matter what.
Warren is online now  
Old 09-20-2009, 01:54 PM   #11
Pompass Ass
 
bwalley's Avatar
 
Trade: Certified Building and Certified A/C Contractor
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Plant City, Florida
Posts: 2,090

Re: LVL Garage Header


Quote:
Originally Posted by dvd View Post
The plans don't show a header for the doors only has a foundation plan for basement. So guess they feel this is the way to go. I am not for sure on this one. I believe the one 16" LVL would be ok on the outside under the rim board. Hate to jump in and tell the foundation crew how to build a header since they have probably done them this way many times before. What to do?
Your plans should have the details on what is to be built.

Why are you using LVL's instead og a U Lintel?

Is there a Bond Beam?
bwalley is offline  
Old 09-20-2009, 02:24 PM   #12
Pro
 
Anti-wingnut's Avatar
 
Trade: Commercial Superintendent
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,511

Re: LVL Garage Header


Quote:
Originally Posted by neolitic View Post
I'm calling B/S.
I've read all of your posts.
Either you are a HO trying to
act as your own general, or
you are second guessing your GC
on every move and coming here
for ammunition.
My thoughts exactly.
Anti-wingnut is offline  
Old 09-21-2009, 12:49 AM   #13
Pro
 
KennMacMoragh's Avatar
 
Trade: Repair/Remodel
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,245
Send a message via MSN to KennMacMoragh

Re: LVL Garage Header


Quote:
Originally Posted by Warren View Post
Really??
I have never seen a single ply Lvl garage header in my entire life. I would think that spacing these two plys 5 inches apart is a definite no no. That being said, I would never ask for engineering advice here. Nobody here is gonna sign off on this no matter what.
We use glu-lams or parallams around here. But yeah I would think spacing them apart is a definite no no.
KennMacMoragh is offline  
Old 09-21-2009, 08:34 AM   #14
Registered User
 
R.T.Fahey's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 8

Re: LVL Garage Header


Nail them together and move on.
R.T.Fahey is offline  
Old 09-21-2009, 12:13 PM   #15
Registered User
 
dvd's Avatar
 
Trade: contractor
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 18

Re: LVL Garage Header


Thanks to all the guys who have ideas to pass on to others. As for the SUPER BUILDERS WALLMAX AND NEOLITIC they think they Know everything and you should not be able to ask a question about something and if you do it is just stupid. I thought this was a forum for questions and opinions? I give you this I do have alot of questions I am moving up from re-modeling and additions to full home building and I do second guess myself sometimes that is why I would think you could come here and ask a few questions and get a honest opinion with out being looked down on. Again thanks to the professional builders who show a little class when someone as a question.
dvd is offline  
Old 09-21-2009, 03:09 PM   #16
Pro
 
ARI001's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Stafford, VA
Posts: 318

Re: LVL Garage Header


Quote:
The plans don't show a header for the doors only has a foundation plan for basement.
Do you know how to read the plans? How did you get a permit with only a foundation plan? There has to be a full set of plans somewhere. There is supposed to be a full set on site at all times for the inspectors to reference. There should be something specified somewhere on the plans in reference to the header. Even if just to say header to be engineered by others. If your using LVL's there will be specifications supplied by whom ever engineered them. This normally includes support spans, bolting/ nailing patterns, and any other pertinent information.

Did the homeowner have the plans drawn up also? If so how did you bid your portion of the project without having a set? You know the plans and specifications can affect the project cost, right? I'm inclined to agree with neo,wallmaxx, and superbuild. I think you are a HO posing as a GC. If not you are really wet behind the ears and should be second guessing taking on projects this size or bigger as you obviously are not ready for them.
ARI001 is offline  
Old 09-21-2009, 03:51 PM   #17
Pompass Ass
 
bwalley's Avatar
 
Trade: Certified Building and Certified A/C Contractor
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Plant City, Florida
Posts: 2,090

Re: LVL Garage Header


Quote:
Originally Posted by dvd View Post
Thanks to all the guys who have ideas to pass on to others. As for the SUPER BUILDERS WALLMAX AND NEOLITIC they think they Know everything and you should not be able to ask a question about something and if you do it is just stupid. I thought this was a forum for questions and opinions? I give you this I do have alot of questions I am moving up from re-modeling and additions to full home building and I do second guess myself sometimes that is why I would think you could come here and ask a few questions and get a honest opinion with out being looked down on. Again thanks to the professional builders who show a little class when someone as a question.
Remodeling is harder to do than building a house, how did you get your contractors license?

Asking questions is one thing, asking basic questions you should know if you are a licensed contractor is another.

If you don't know what you are doing with the header and it isn't on the plans, how did you bid the job?
bwalley is offline  
Old 09-21-2009, 04:24 PM   #18
Motorboatin' son of a ...
 
BKFranks's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 1,069

Re: LVL Garage Header


deleted...off topic
__________________


Last edited by BKFranks; 09-21-2009 at 04:28 PM.
BKFranks is offline  
Old 09-21-2009, 05:46 PM   #19
The Duke
 
KentWhitten's Avatar
 
Trade: Cabinet Maker
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Portland, Maine
Posts: 10,086

Re: LVL Garage Header


This site is for professionals asking professional questions. Your questions are more towards what others here feel are amateur questions which possibly means you are a homeowner or a GC over his head. I'm not 100% convinced yet so I want to give you the benefit of the doubt, but the more questions you ask that appear to be aligned with what a HO would ask, then I'm more inclined to send you over to the DIY sister site.
__________________
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine


Salmon Falls Cabinetry
KentWhitten is online now  
Old 09-21-2009, 11:14 PM   #20
Pro
 
jhark123's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Enumclaw, WA
Posts: 858

Re: LVL Garage Header


dvd, Framerman is more generous than I am. I am green for a GC at 26yo and would absolutely know that with an lvl system, I should look at the ENGINEERED plans and install as specified. You're either a HO or you really should not be a GC.
jhark123 is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
20' header over garage door? ASIinc. Framing 54 11-21-2011 04:13 PM
does the garage really need the GFI? handyman99 Electrical 21 08-31-2009 12:33 PM
Improper Header Size greg24k Framing 9 03-27-2009 08:18 PM
Is this an incorrect header Maplehead Carpentry Picture Post 10 10-06-2008 07:54 AM
garage door header replacement in Buffalo,NY bradbrad Help Wanted or Looking For Work 1 03-12-2006 09:05 PM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?