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Building Homes or Extensions/Sagging Header

Expert: Dave Johnson - 5/22/2009

Question

I am looking for some advice about a problem I created with a header. My house is shaped like a U. I have a patio in the opening of the U. The opening measures 12’ X 25’
At the edge of the patio there is a header that holds up the flat roof of the patio. The header consists of two pieces of cedar approximately 5.5” X 10.5” X 12.5’. The two pieces are cut at angles where they meet in the middle so one supports the other and held up with a 4X4 post under this center cut.

The problem I created was removing this post and adding Sliding Glass Doors. I did this about three years ago and I’m beginning to have issues opening the doors. The doors consist of two fix 3’X6’ 71/2” fix windows that are 6 1/2'” off each wall. The 6 ½” is framed out using 2” X 6”.

I framed 10 1/2” on the other side of both of these doors as well. This left me with a 16’ opening where I added an Anderson four panel sliding glass door. The middle two doors are the sliding doors and they measure 4’ X 6’ 71/2”. The other two are fixed.

On top of the doors but under the existing header I added three 2” X 6” X 12” Staggered, screwed and glued together. I added straps to tie the header and these 2”X6” pieces together. I’m guessing this was not enough.

The existing header is attached to the wall with hangers embedded in the CBS block wall. I would like to know if there is a way to correct. I through about using a 4 ¼ X 4 ¼ Angled Steel beam slid under the old header supported by the two 10 1/2 “ framed section on each side of the sliders. These are made of 2”x6”s and O can beef them up.

I hope you can view my drawing and that it explains what I trying to describe a little clearer. Bottom line, I need to fix it and I’m looking for the best way to do this.

[IMG]http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj50/dpeter2101/BackPatio.jpg[/IMG]

or try

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj50/dpeter2101/BackPatio.jpg

Thank you,

Dale

Answer
Hi Dale,
Oops, I've been away all weekend...
And, the drawings are great, except I cannot read anything.
Anyway, You could shorten the span by adding fillers above the framing
between the fixed units and the door unit. But your idea re the angle iron is a better one, given that you already know to support them on the 10 1/2" frame.
I'd use as large an angle as can be used for this. Be sure and take any pressure off the existing header before the rest of the work.
Best of luck!

Dave

Questioner's Rating

Rating(1-10)	Knowledgeability = 10	Clarity of Response = 10	Politeness = 10
Comment	Super friendly and it’s great that I can bounce an idea off someone who knows. Thanks for the assistance.