Expert: Dan Griffin - 6/14/2009

Question
Hi Mr. Dan Griffin,

I'm building a new house in Houston, TX area (Harris County). I have few questions about wood framing structure issue 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. 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 comply to the building code?

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

Best regards,
Duke

Answer
Duke, I am not aware of any reason to prefer one over the other.  I would think they can both work well.  I would say  that the separate headers would seem more usual.

I understand your concern, but would point out that a garage header in a load bearing wall is done much the same way without the intermediate "shoring".  I am not aware of any concerns about a garage door header rolling over.  Headers over 5 feet would usually have double trimmers to increase their bearing.  I would think the intermediate studding would serve any bearing issues.

Contact your framing inspector early and ask for a clarification or reference in code.  If there is an engineer or architect involved, hit them up for a firm answer.  I am not aware of a code reason  to prevent or prefer either one.