Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 7/3/2010

Question
QUESTION: Bruce,
We're replacing 26" closet door with 32" pocket door.  The header will be 2x8 - 6' in length for 84" vertical opening. The wall only supports ceiling joists.
Q:should the header be supported by 4x4's each side -or- is that over kill.  Thanks in advance, Joel

ANSWER: Hi joel, yeah a double two by four or a 4x4 should be on each end.  You can probably get by with a single 2x4 cripple on each side but it is suggested that openings over 6' should be double crippled.  Your opening is slightly less than 6' so you are right at the limit for a single cripple. If wall space or other considerations preclude using a double cripple, a single will suffice.  Sincerely bruce e johnson

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QUESTION: OK.  Should I put 2 lag bolts on each side horizontally or long nails to attach the 2x4 studs to 4x8?  We live a in fault zone.  

Thanks again

Joel

ANSWER: HI again joel, depending on your area you may be required to strap or clip your studs using Simpson hardware.  Normal construction would be 5 #10D nails into the header from the main stud.  The cripple studs should be nailed to the main stud in a staggered pattern at 8" and each cripple should be nailed together the same way.  Sincerely bruce e johnson

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QUESTION: Another question for you....We are also replacing a large window. The width of the rough opening is 80"w X 64"h.  The existing header is 4X4.  Should I replace it with bigger header to bring it to code?  If so, what size?
Can I stack a header above existing?
Thanks again in advance,
Joel

Answer
Hi again joel, If the existing header is working then it might be more trouble than it's worth to replace it but if you think it needs it, it should be a 4x8 or double 2x8.  Whether or not you can install this new header above the old depends on how much room you have above it.  Sincerely bruce e johnson