Expert: Dan Griffin - 5/7/2009

Question
Dan,

I am remodeling and old 8x8 porch that allows entry into  the home. there is no door header on the outside door on the gable end. This a single story porch. There are 2 studs on either side of the door with a double top plate( 2-2x4') and 5 " space in between  top plate and another 2x4 which sits above the door but not resting on a jack stud.

Do I need a header or am I being lazy by not notching the stud and just making one? The gable end seems stable and this door has been in the entry way for probably 40 years

Answer
Todd, headers are needed to carry loads over openings which are missing studs tht carry a uniformly distributed or point load.  A gable end has no structural load under the "triangle" as the loads are supported where the rafter tails sit.  As your experience has indicated, there is not a strong reason to worry about it.  The wall needs to resist high winds pushing on it, but not overhead loads.

You are fine.  If I was building it brand new, I would probably put in a header and jacks, but I see no reason to change what works.