Expert: Dave Johnson - 12/30/2007

Question
We have an entry door (5’ w x 8’h double door) with a window (5’w x 6.5’h) above the door and a window (5’w x 15’h) to one side of the in a wood (2” x 6”) and stucco wall 16’h.  When door is slammed, wall shakes significantly and has developed small cracks in stucco and drywall at upper corner of door.
Door is going to be replaced with an iron and glass entry door.  New door will weigh 3 – 5 times current door.  Contractor wants to “wait” to see how much “shake” occurs with new door before determining how to strengthen the column between door and window.  I prefer to plan corrective action prior to tearing out existing door.  
Problem appears to be related to the 2x6 stud s between door and window.  It appears there is a single stud adjacent to the door and another adjacent to the window.  Stud length is 16’.  Stud is apparently nailed to 2” x 6” plate on bottom and to 6” x 12” x 15’ timber at top.
Wall between door and window can be opened up and reinforced when door is installed.  I am considering adding additional studs adjacent to existing studs or constructing a Fitch plate (4” x 1/8” x 16’ steel with lag screws between studs) to reinforce to wall.  What would you recommend? Does steel need to be anchored to plate and beam?
Located in Phoenix, AZ. Entry is on west facing wall with 20’ roof overhang so sun does not impinge on door except in late afternoon.


Answer
Hi Jim,
Very detailed question, thank you!
The flitch plate should not be 1/8". It's too thin (I've tried this before).
In  the case I was involved with, we wound up using  4"
x 3" x 3/8" steel lagged every 12". It does not need to be fastened to the top or bottom members. If there is room, do this on both sides.
AND: do it first...no sense in waiting til new door is installed.
Best of luck, Dave