Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 7/26/2010

Question
QUESTION: i am converting my integral garage into a dining room the opening is about 8ft wideso the wall would be about 4ft high  the rest would be window can you use a steel lintal instead of diging foundations if you have to dig foundations how deep should they be

ANSWER: Hi derek, it's hard to say what you are trying to do based on your email.  But if you can accomplish it with a steel lintel it would definitely be easier than any other method.  Your garage door already has a lintel over its opening so if this is the case then you really don't need a new lintel you just frame in the old opening to accommodate the new window etc.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: THANK YOU BRUCE WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID WAS THAT I AM SAID A GARAGE INTO A ROOM REMOVING A UP AND OVER DOOR SINGLE. INSTEAD OF DIGGING FOUNDATIONS COULD YOU USE A STEEL LINTEL BUILDING A FT WALL AND THE REST WINDOW THANKS DEREK

Answer
Hi again Derek, your up and over garage door already has a header so unless you are removing that garage door header you don't need support it with a lintel unless you are lowering the top of the new windows.  Even then you really don't need headers over the windows because the weight of the roof etc. is already supported by the existing garage door header. I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com