Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 10/30/2009

Question
I recently had a three panel door installed in the back wall of my family room which used to be a garage.  The door is slightly bowed to the interior not allowing the screen door to self close properly.  When installing the new door the contractor used an existing header and then used a metal panel to attach to another header beam of 2 x 6's.  There is a seam in the middle of the header.  I have asked him to come back out and replace the header completely with 2x10 header and fix the bow in the door.  Can you recommend a plan of attack.  I want him to remove the door, swap in the new header and reinstall the door.  The door is 9' wide.

Thanks for any advice.

Answer
Hi Jim, it's hard to say what is causing your problem.  Apparently you and the contractor have decided that it is the header that is causing the problem and not just the door installation.  As far as replacing headers, you need to be sure to support any roof or upper level weight that bears on the header being replaced.  Once the temporary shoring is in place, the old header is cut out, generally with a sawzall.  Then the new header slipped into place and reattached.  The door is then reinstalled.  This time have the contractor make sure the door frame is plumb, straight and square.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com