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Increasing header span with intermediate jack studs?

6.1K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  Golden view  
#1 ·
I'm rebuilding a bearing wall (roof load only). It originally consisted of 2x4 construction with 24"+ spacing, no headers, and no jack studs. One area of the wall has three consecutive window spaces that require a header. I would like to keep the wall length approximately the same, so I don't think I'll have room for the traditional 3-headers and necessary king/jack studs.

I'll be putting in a 2x6" header which is sufficient for the window size and keeps the window height consistent with others. In other words, I don't really have room to size up the header to carry the span.

Is it ok to put intermediate jack studs (columns? - not sure what to call them) under the header to increase the span. This assumes that the span between the jacks/columns are under the allowable span limit. I attached a drawing of what I'm thinking.
 

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#10 ·
I dont see anything wrong with what the poster wants to do. Long openings dont have extra king studs and theres no need to up size the header since it exceeds the opening span between supports.

The continuous length is just more practical
Sometimes spec'd for wind loads, which get transferred horizontally from the window, sill and header to the trimmers/kings. More applicable on taller walls where there are cripples above the opening.