Building Homes or Extensions/13 ft wide opening in an eight foot high conc block wall

Expert: Dave Johnson - 4/17/2007

Question
The opening is 7 feet high...leaving only 12 inches for a
header. Muct the header be wood or can it be made of block also? The header is not supporting vertical loads but only providing wall stability. The wall is free standing with no structure over head.

Answer
Hi Richard,
Personally, I would use wood. There would be very little to keep blocks from loosening from even minor lateral movement. Where there is no load from above, you would need only enough material to keep the beam from sagging.
To do that I would us a plywood filler with laminated 2"x8"s. Please mail me if this isn't wenough info.
Dave