Window Header Question ????

davinci

a siding customer wants a window ireplaced with a larger window. obviously she now needs a larger opening. the window is 32 x 50. she wants it now to be 36 x 52. what size header you guys recommend? 2-2x 6's with half inch in middle or2- 2 x 8's?

indm45

is it a load bearing wall,if so i use dbl 2x12 with plywood

davinci

its a bi level; top floor in the dining room? only a roof over it.

odellconstruct

2x6s or 2x8s should be more then enough to carry the weight at a 36 in span . 2 x 12 would be a lil over kill , would recommend fir , not spruce .. good luck

i would also check your local codes as well just to be sure if unsure .

davinci

when would a steel header be used?

Dan_Watson

Anything over 37". You just made it.

odellconstruct

used for larger spans to reinforce , such as load bearing walls . garage doors , large window openings 8 ft and above an i beam or steel reinforcement will benifit ,

odellconstruct

with a 36 ''r.o your header should be around 39''

Dan_Watson

I can't say I have ever seen a steel beam used for a header in a residential structure. Usually they are some form of engineered lumber. Dimensional lumber can span up to 12' for a header with a roof and ceiling load in some situations. Every situation is different.

Dan_Watson

I was being sarcastic....

odellconstruct

just stating the facts

Dan_Watson

I would have overlooked that and been cursing up a storm when I had to build another header

Cst Dsn Bldrs

Dont know about ya'll, but here in alabama we use the 2003 International Building Code. and header under 5', only have to use one jack stud. Therefore, the header will be 3" larger than the rough opening. Over 5', use two jack studs. Load bearing wall or now, we always use 2x10's with 2x4 on top (Header measures 11", duh).

If its a long window, use engineered beams (LVL's)... metal is too expensive unless wood wont work.

Tom M

Do yourself a favor measure the head space over all the other doors and windows inside. Its likely at least 12". So instead of guessing proper size and then putting little cripple studs in the remaining space just put in a 2 (2x12) Unless that encroaches on your space for the window it will be completely over kill. In case someone adds onto that split level later it will be fine. FYI the code book makes a suggestion based on what it supports above so when the size you need takes up too much space you can then go to steel to increase strenght on slimmer sizes. And always leave those wall plates in!

codaman

I would make sure that the window heights remained consistent throughout the house. If there was a 2X6 header, you may not want to put in a 2X12 and drop the window that 6 inches. You could also use LVLs. Good luck

whaler

when talking about windows and doors, state the width first than the height, codaman brought up the most important point= keep window heads the same height. stuff whatever header fits to make it happen. my guess 2x10/w cap.