Framing Building code

[cidley69]

Anyone know about framing?

I want to put a 40" wide x 12" tall window in an exterior load bearing wall. I used 3 2x4s on end, screwed together. Is this to code? Would the wall sag from missing just 2 studs that are being replaced by a tripple 2x4 header?

What is the minimum required header for this span accorind to code?

[ExtraSlow]

No idea of the code, but I would guess you should be looking at more than a 2x4 header. since the wall will be ripped open, not like it's hard to put in something beefier.

[cet]

I agree. I'd call the city and ask to speak to a building inspector but I think for that kind of span you're looking at either a 2 ply 2x8 or 2x10.

[winson2001]

I tried to read my old code book... but failed to extract the info... i have my code book at my work in downtown, pm me if you like to have a read of it n see if u can get some info off it... my code book is 2005

[CapnCrunch]

I don't think you can use a 2x4 as a header. I think 2x6 is the minimum.

[CapnCrunch]

Originally posted by cidley69


What is the minimum required header for this span accorind to code?

You'll need to figure out the load, and then size the beam to suit. You can't just use a generic beam size.

I'm pretty sure you'll need an engineer to give you a sketch and the beam size if you want to do this legally.