Building Homes or Extensions/Garage door header

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Expert: - 11/16/2008


Question
I am building a 24'x40' garage with 10' walls and a bonus room above.  The walls are constructed of 2x6's. My question is what size header do i need above a 16'x8' door in the gable end wall?  Will a (3)2x12 be sufficient enough.

Answer
Mark,

The short answer is Yes.  I recommend you have plywood or OSB sheathing on the outside. In addition to the header, you will probably be adding an exposed header jamb on the inside wall that will supply a little additional strength. If you have any doubts, due to a heavy wall and floor above, you can sheathe both sides of that wall with plywood and add diagonal bracing between cripple studs, making a small truss.

Take a look at your garage door pamphlet and follow the pictures and suggestions in it. Even better ones may be found on the internet with a quick search.


Daniel

Building Homes or Extensions

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Daniel Humphrey

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I can answer questions about designing and building homes and outbuildings, especially for colder climates. I am expert in timber framing, but of course I also know about other kinds of residential construction techniques and materials. Because of my emphasis on using local materials and organic alternatives, I know quite about about Green Building and am willing to do the research to find out more.

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I've been a timber framer for 20 years, working as a general contractor who designs and builds custom timberframe homes, working as much as possible with local organic materials, from foundation to finish. I also have expertise in designing, building, and setting up pre-fab remote camp facilities on terra firma or temperate glaciers for research and expeditions, using helicopters for support.

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B.A., M.F.A.

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