building a new house

[EddieWalker]

I'm a little confused on your framing. What are they using for the headers?

You do have code there, right? If the inspector says it's ok, that's all that matter, I just haven't seen anything quite like it in an area with permits. I have seen it done in some rural areas here where there is no code, and I've had to replace them when they saged and the door wouldn't open.

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[socallly]

I'm a little confused on your framing. What are they using for the headers?

You do have code there, right? If the inspector says it's ok, that's all that matter, I just haven't seen anything quite like it in an area with permits. I have seen it done in some rural areas here where there is no code, and I've had to replace them when they saged and the door wouldn't open.

Thanks,
Eddie

what do you mean I thought the 4x4 was the header??

 

[EddieWalker]

Exactly.

In my experience, a 4x4 isn't code for a header. I wasn't sure if it was that or two 2x4's. Either way, it's only something I've seen in very old homes, or those done by people in areas without code.

I know in the Bay Area where I'm from, they are using Glue Lams in some homes for headers. I think that's overkill for openings 3 to 4 feet wide, but every area has there minimums. For a doorway or small window, I use two 2x6's with half inch plywood sandwiched between them. For larger openings, I go up in size to even bigger lumber.

I don't know how wide your picture windows are, but it looks like you have a 4x4 with a 2x4 on the bottom for a header. I'd have gone with a pair of 2x8's with half inch plywood there at a minimum.

Again, if it's code in your area, and your inspector passes it, than you should be fine. It's very rare for code to not be up to the minimums. I also don't know how your roof is designed or how much load you will have on those headers. It's just something that jumps out at me when I see the pictures. It's either wrong, or it's done in a way that I don't understand. Either way, it's interesting to me.

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[_RaT_]

what do you mean I thought the 4x4 was the header??

The rule of thumb which was a weak rule to begin with said basically a 4X4 could span 4', a 4X6 6' etc. I agree with Eddy, I want a minimum of a 6" header. Many larger headers today have abandoned dimensional lumber in favor of LVL or laminated veneer lumber. Far, far superior to dimensional lumber. Be sure your garage door header which will probably be over 16' long is LVL. Large sliding or french doors should get them as well.

 

[socallly]

The house will be shear paneled all around that should help with the load.There are 4x6 headers in the front picture windows and the french doors in the back. The blue prints have the stamp of a approval from (san bernardino county) so I think it should be ok.I will try to shrink down a copy of the framing plan for everyone to see.

 

[_RaT_]

Southern California is no slouch on the code. Their electrical code was one of the toughest around. Judging from the anchors, your shear panels at the garage, you have an engineered plan to be sure. I suspect you will also have some shear interaction at the header.

 

[EddieWalker]

I agree with Rat. You are in an area of the country with very tough building codes, and since it's aproved, I have no worries that it will be very well built. Right now, I'd guess the California and Florida are the two places in the country with the toughest codes and the best built homes. I know this is debateable and on a case by case basis, we can find examples to prove me wrong, but overall, statewide, I'm probably correct.

I do find it odd and hopefully a few of the engineers on here will help me to understand how this works. My understanding of shear loads has very little to do with compressive loads. The header is to support the load of the roof, and the greater the span, the stronger the header has to be. It's not something you need to worry about. I have allot of respect for the engineers stamp and don't question it at all. They know the entire equation and how it all ties together. I'm just focuses on one little aspect of your framing and missing out on the big picture, which leads to my lack of understanding.

I do like the look of your home in the drawings allot. It's going to be a very nice home with excellent balance and detail.

Eddie

 

[RobJ]

The rule of thumb which was a weak rule to begin with said basically a 4X4 could span 4', a 4X6 6' etc. I agree with Eddy, I want a minimum of a 6" header. Many larger headers today have abandoned dimensional lumber in favor of LVL or laminated veneer lumber. Far, far superior to dimensional lumber. Be sure your garage door header which will probably be over 16' long is LVL. Large sliding or french doors should get them as well.

And if it's just 1 4x4 that's weaker than 2 2x4's with the ply in the middle.

But I love watching a house go up. I did our weekend place. I'm like Eddie and built in the countrym no codes at all, only the septic to sort of deal with.

Take plenty of pictures, you only one shot!!

Elkhart House Project The one I built.

 

[_RaT_]

And if it's just 1 4x4 that's weaker than 2 2x4's with the ply in the middle.

But I love watching a house go up. I did our weekend place. I'm like Eddie and built in the countrym no codes at all, only the septic to sort of deal with.

Take plenty of pictures, you only one shot!!

Elkhart House Project The one I built.

I've pretty much resorted to LVL's for my headers, at least for anything over 8'.

 

[socallly]

The stamp on the plans came from the senior building inspector.My plans are not engineered,thats why I said earlier that my architect over engineered my foundation plans.I appreciate everybodies concern and a advice.....Thanks erik