reverse gable garage door header

[woofie]

What size header do I need for a 16' and 8' garage door header for a reverse gable roof. Some of what I have been reading leads me to believe standard dimensional lumber will not work. Will I have to use lvl's, or do they make some headers similar to trusses? Is this something I can build myself or does it have to be designed by an engineer. Thanks

 

[blkhonda1991]

a header is a header, really doesnt matter whats above it if its a 1 story building. for a 16' span lvls will probably be your best bet but im sure dimensional lumber could do the job just as well

 

[twostory]

Talk to a lumber yard. They will have a guy who will do load calculations for you and recommend the correct LVL size for the header. This is a "free" service.

This is not a question any of us can answer with your limited info. Talk to a lumber yard, you will have to buy the header from them anyway.

 

[woofie]

So, it does not matter if the roof trusses are directly above the headers. The headers will be directly below the fall of the roof not between the two ends of the truss.
I just thought that would mean that the whole roof load would be transferred to the wall that I am planning on having my garage doors. It will be a 30x40 with the doors on the 40' side and the span of the truss will be 30'.
It my not be much load if I go with just a metal roof but what about sheeting, roofing felt and asphalt shingles with trusses on 2' centers.
Thanks for all information, I just don't want any sagging.

 

[limeranger]

I have the trusses supported over the doors like you are talking about. I had to use double lvl beams (forget the size but could look tommorow maybe) I have a 6/12 itch roof with storage above. I just asked when buying the trusses what I needed to support them and the guy at the truss company punched in some numbers into a computer program and said 3 2x12 laminated together would be borderline or the lvl beams where slightly more then needed but the best option (still needed 2 for each door) my doors are 10' wide. when I priced out both lvl beams vs. 3 2x12 there wasn't alot of extra cost for the lvls. hope that helps and not confusing. Ask the truss company is my advice, they will tell you for free and are used to these questions and happy to help.

 

[south pier garage]

trusses & rafters require different headers

 

[327-365hp]

Here's my garage, 30 x 40. I ordered 33' trusses for the extra overhang in the front. I used double 10"x10' lvl for 9' doors. This was spec'd by the lumber yard. For a 16' door you might need a 14 or 16" lvl. Let the lumber yard specify what you need.

 

[Mike in Ohio]

The best advice is check with the lumber yard because they will know the codes for your area. Do you need to allow for a snow load or very high winds etc? The local guys know these things and can help. On my 30x40 I have a 9' door on one 40' side with no extra header just the double 2x12s that go around the top. On the other 40' side I have a 16' door with a double 11 7/8 lvl set in notches on the 6x6 posts. This is what the lumber yard spec'ed and the inspector ok'ed before I started. Hope this helps, Mike

 

[Kevin54]

For a 9' door a double 12" header would work. For a 16' door I would go with a double LVL header. Everything header over a 16' door that the trusses run down to it seem to sag somewhat over the years. Some worse than others. 12" dimensional lumber being the worst.

 

[327-365hp]

An LVL would be stronger than the same dimensional lumber, plus you don't need to pad it out with 1/2" plywood to make it the same thickness as the wall. The LVL comes
1 3/4" thick.

 

[blkhonda1991]

trusses & rafters require different headers

in what capacity?

 

[east_tn_emc]

I have a nearly identical setup that I am in the process of building....30x42 with an 18x8 garage door on the front 42' side. Trusses run front-to-back 30'. The local building supply spec'ed out 2 LVLs 1-3/4x16" or 3 LVLs 1-3/4x14". Since I am building with 2x6 wall studs, I opted for the three 14" LVLs and ordered them 20' long. I sister'ed up 8 2x6 studs on each side to support the LVLs....I know it is a little overkill, but the cost of the extra few studs to support the LVLs is really not much.

 

[Torque1st]

in what capacity?

They apply different loads to the header, spreading loads etc, which must be accounted for in the design. Structural engineering is something that laymen should not attempt by themselves.

 

[mpraddict]

I agree with the other recommendations. Have a professional size this for you. In addition to the opening size, you have to look at the length of the supported trusses to determine live load (snow) and dead loads....then there are wind loads....

 

[south pier garage]

in what capacity?

bearing, allowable spans, construction, & cost