Using Header Hangers

ehighley

I am an Energy Star builder in Kentucky and am wondering about using Header Hangers in place of using trimmer studs under exterior wall headers. This is part of Advanced Framing.
I have talked to the building inspector about this, but he is reluctant to let me use them. Does anyone have any data that would allow me to convince the building inspector that the product is perfectly safe to use? Thanks

D.Foster

I would take the makers spec sheet to him. How do these fasten, is it an L bracket ,or does it wrap the framing sides? I guess i am not familiar with "advanced" framing.

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Tom Struble

dont really know about the structural aspects of the clips but isnt it better to have a trimmer just to have some meat for the inside and outside trim?

D.Foster

Simpson strong tie web site. This is what i found. Iwas curious, and it was really easy to find.

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D.Foster

Thats not "Advanced" though!!

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ehighley

Advanced Framing is used to cut down on the amount of framing needed in a wall. Bascially, you frame on 24" o.c. to allow for more insulation to be placed in a wall. On a typical home, the savings can be substantial. As an Energy Star builder, the emphasis is to save energy. I think this is a great idea for better use of materials. Thanks for those of you who replied.

D.Foster

Right now a 2x6 is what? $4-5 i think the header hanger is more expensive. I agree it less of an impact on the environment, but metal hangers can be costly as well. Plus the loss of nailing as mentioned. And if you frame 2' oc i agree more insulation the better, but a jackstud next to a window or door which already have a weak R value,i dont think will make a substantial difference in heating costs or efficiency.IMO.

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Kgmz

IRC 2000 and 2003, Table R502.5(1) Girder Spans and Header Spans for Exterior Bearing Walls

Footnote d. NJ: Number of jack studs required to support each end. Where the number of required jack studs equals one, the headers are permitted to be supported by an approved framing anchor attached to the full-height wall stud and to the header.

precisionbuild

R104.11 IRC

Alternative materials, design and methods of construction
and equipment. The provisions of this code are not
intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit
any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed
by this code, provided that any such alternative has
been approved. An alternative material, design or method of
construction shall be approved where the building official finds
that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the
intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material,
method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the
equivalent of that prescribed in this code. Compliance with the
specific performance-based provisions of the International
Codes in lieu of specific requirements of this code shall also be
permitted as an alternate.

Kgmz

Its not alternative and has been part of the standard code since 2000.

http://resourcecenter.pnl.gov/cocoon...ResourceCenter

bwalley

You can get the same R Value in a wall framed 16" O.C. as 24" O.C.

Saving a few studs on a house is not a good idea IMO, how much energy is being saved on a few studs versus a steel bracket?

I never have framed 24" O.C. and never will, I would rather spend a few more dollars on framing than to skimp on a few studs.

Building codes are the minimum standard, just because it is allowed by code, does not mean it is a good idea.

precisionbuild

To get your official's approval, it is an alternate. That's why you need the manufacturer's numbers. It's alternative to the table, hence the footnote. And that's why it states approved hanger, but doesn't give a list of approved hangers. The approval will be based on complies with the
intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material,
method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the
equivalent of that prescribed in this code.


My post was to show you could use them, and to back up yours.

skyhook

If it's on the approved plans, great. If not, and you're asking for the inspectors approval, good luck.
Typically, I only use a HH when nothing else works.
Here in earthquake zone 4, my plans call for minimum 2 trimmers on each side of a header, so substituting 1 header hanger will not fly on exterior walls.
Interior non-bearing walls excluded.

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jcalvin

I think the energy savings lies more in the realm of material used. I guess they are figuring if we would all go to these hangers and frame 24" OC it would save a couple hundred thousand boards ultimately reducing the amount of timber harvested thereby saving fuel to cut and transport the timber thereby cutting the amount of electricity needed to power sawmill.

Ask Al Gore, he can tell us how Advanced Framing will save up from our demise.

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Cal


You hired WHO

bwalley

That is like people buying the Hybrid cars, yet they cost more and the the batteries and the nickel mines are not enviro friendly.

You may save some wood, but then you have the energy required to make the steel brackets.

Wood is a renewable resource.

jaros bros.

The energy efficiency is in transfer of the studs. I think it was JLC that published an article with a study on two different houses framed each way, one regular and one with advanced framing. I believe the savings were about $1000 or so a year...but then again I think they used foam on the exterior. Anyone else remember reading that article.
The downside of course is not being able to nail your trim as easily. The building isn't going to be weak because it has passed engineering and code approval. There's no need to put a 2x12 header in when a 2x6 will do.

Josh Jaros

skyhook

The building inspector has seen it all and has the final word, efforts to convince him otherwise are useless.
I don't see header hangers becoming the norm since they depend on mechanical connectors (nails) instead of stacking and compressive support.

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Tom M

The cost of the hanger is probably more than the stud. Its a good alternate... end of conversation. The reason an inspector my have an issue is cause he might not of been the plan reviewer. The guy comes out and sees this thing and now he has to a load calculation then scan the simpson book for compliance. He's likely unprepaid, so provide what info you can, he also may be unaware of the footnote either. It dont make him stupid. How often do you really see them?

Jaros I read similar information on the building science website. There is less energy lost with a more continuous insulation. There are few insulating gaps and heat transfer. They call it thermal bridging. Fewer studs is another bonus to the logic of a greener building.

Tom Struble

end of conversation?ok boss

skyhook

I would not want to put a second story on 24" oc 2x4s with HH subbed in as trimmers.
If I was the inspector, I would send you back to plan check.

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