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How to deal with header thicker than top plate?

7K views 29 replies 16 participants last post by  P42003 
#1 · (Edited)
I have situation where I build a 3 LVL header. But wall is 2X4 so 3. LVL do not sit below top plate. I have 2X3 2X6 trim studs and bottom plate is of course 2X4 again. I did nail LVLs together but along way I sow LVL headers connected together with GRKs, tm structural screws. Should this be a situation to do it?
 

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#12 · (Edited)
Only one answer that help something. About this project. 1. I have no only blue print. I have full plan in full size. Guy who is GC here is in business over 30 years. Project is not mess as just past year all alone I did all carpentry at one 125 years old house. Etc not willing to get engaged in useless discussion. One say I have doubt about my carrier. At age 54 I have full right to go out of tough job.
 
#15 ·
^^^ I had to google to see what furring mean. I do all time it. Even made a tread about it in past and get laugh at. It is list problem to prepare it for sheetrock. Would like to know how force 3. LVL that is out of top plate to carry some load to. Furring will obviously not help with it much.
 
#17 ·
Well as I'm called in structural things it is how I do. Standard windows and doors at first floor 2X10 headers. At second 2X8 headers. Always checked by city inspector, always. It is not from my pocket, would be biggest idiot at planet if would not call them. Remember one case where dormer valley crack before 6 years under roofers. I was called to fix it temporary like an emergency. One week after went to city inspector let them know I fixed it temporary. So it do not have anything with me any more.
For special structural situation like one in photo go to Menards, if not engineer is called for. From Menards go to city inspectors for stamp. Always so. Btw like self employed replaced several hundred of headers and never problem. I learn long time go that skills.
 
#19 · (Edited)
^^^ I do always check it and do blocking if need. Both header, there is two of them sit at blocks and blocks at brick walls. That big one in photo GC at project call OK because per him 2X4 wall sit at external rim board. He is not inexperienced, he is forever in this business to. I did slide blocks under one side of one header.
However very good call and probably will double check tomorrow. Will cut subfloor like usually to see what is below that big header that GC called it is at rim boards. If I slide blocks I thing it would be better pile a few of them lie at bricks than put them vertically.
 
#27 · (Edited)
If you’re stuck with the 2x4 wall, then bump up the size of the lvl’s to do the header with a double. If I use screws to attach 2 lvls, I use screws specific to attaching lvls together. I don’t just use random GRK’s.
If you are stuck with the 3 lvl header, rip your bearing studs to 5 1/4” and shim/ furr out the rest of the wall to the 5 1/4”. What else can you do? Also, make sure that the plate, rim joist, and sill beneath your bearing studs are supporting the full 5 1/4”.
 
#29 ·
I installed 11ft beam last month using dimensional Lumber and a 1/2" flitch plate between with carriage bolts. I recessed the nuts partially. Then lath furring. My other option was a 5 1/2" power beam.
Maybe 500 bucks in material. You decide it extending the entire wall, trim, electric etc.... Is worth it.
 
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