Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/15/2009

Question
Hi Mr. Bruce E. Johnson,
I'm building a new house in Houston, TX area (Harris County). I have few questions about wood framing structure at the windows in the family room. I'm afraid if the Wall Studs were NOT installed from the base plate to the upper plates between each of the wall windows, which will make the wall from tilting out. 2 years ago, my brother's house got the same problem like this when he built a new house, and he hired a licensed professional inspector. The inspector said the way the window structure built in the family was unsound structure (same reason I'm concerning and worry). Please see the photos in the following link for details:
  http://www.dzidzom.com/images

1. Has Double Header to be installed between Double Stud (Wall Stud), or CAN it be installed ACCROSS from window to window?
2. Has Wall Stud to be installed FROM the Bottom Plate ALL THE WAY UP TO the Upper Plate (Double Plate), or can it be "cut-off" by Double Header running accross window to window?
3. Which window framing structure is built correctly (Sun room or Family room?) and do they comply to the building code?

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from your earliest response.

Best regards,
Duke

Answer
Hi Duke, both methods of framing are acceptable. I do think that clips should be used to attach the cripples to the header instead of just toe nailing.  What happened to your brother's house can be attributed to the header wood twisting or improper attachment of the cripples to the header. Oftentimes this continuous header is used in multiple window walls due to the desire to have windows closer together than a double stud and double cripple will allow, however in your case there appears to be enough room to individually frame each window.  If you have concerns, contact the engineer of record and get his input, but as far as I know there is no code for this type of framing, it is usually just a preferential choice by the builder.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com