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Window header?

supernova

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Mar 13, 2012
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76
So, when I was framing the walls for my garage addition, I framed in window spaces. But, for some reason I didn't think about needing jack studs & king studs with a header and the cripple studs. My studs are 24" OC. I made the window frame studs 30" (29.5" wide). Withy garage walls only being 7.5' tall to the top plate, I'm damn near putting the window all the way to the the top plate. Do I need to redo the 2 studs I have, put in the li.g & jack(trimmer) studs & a header? I pulled a permit, so it will have to pass inspection & I want it done right, It just seems unnecessary, but I know I'm certainly no structural engineer.
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Falcon67

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If they are that close to the top plate, I'd do like they do lots of times in houses - size the header to take up all the space. You might only "need" a double 2x6 header, but that doesn't stop you from using 2x8, 2x10, 2x12, etc. Aside from that, without your trimmers at 24" OC how will you nail your siding and interior materials every 24".

Window framing with 24" OC landing in the middle:
Framing12.jpg


This is missing the top stud on the upper right but has the one lower right.
Framing16.jpg


These are all 2'x3' windows. If I could have found off the shelf 2'x4' windows, I'd have done a solid header to the plate. My old shop had two 2' x 5' windows and I didn't even do a header - I just added a 2x4 flat under the plate for a top nailing surface.
 
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supernova

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[ My old shop had two 2' x 5' windows and I didn't even do a header - I just added a 2x4 flat under the plate for a top nailing surface.
]

Thats what I was thinking about doing too, and why I was wondering if I needed the king & trimmer studs too. Can I just put in a sill & a cripple for the window, or should I take the king studs out & move them over & put in the trimmers that hold up the sill? Am I making any sense? I already have my own sheathing up & am using vinyl siding. I'm using new construction Windows with the nailing fins on them, so I don't think they really sit in the sill. Idk... :confused:



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Falcon67

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I would put some support under a 30" wide sill, if just to keep it level and straight. If not using a header, the trimmers could be done without, IMPO. I personally just like to know there is a stud every so many inches. I would not like a plate running 30" without a header.
 
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pattenp

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Jun 4, 2008
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Virginia - USA
I thought 24" centers on studs is the max allowable span. With the window framed at 30" I'd think a header would be required, more so if it's a load bearing wall.
 
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supernova

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Yeah, I put one of the windows in last night, without a header, but I'm taking it out & putting in a header today... Thanks guys.

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supernova

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Done & done. Was going to take pics cuz I really need to update my build thread, but my battery was too dead on my phone. Thanks again guys. :beer:

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