What size header is needed for a window | what size header for a 3 foot window | what size header for a 4 foot window | what size header for a 36 inch window | what size header for a 30 inch window | what size header for a 48 inch window | what size header for a 24 inch window | what size header for a 30 inch window | what size header do I need for a 4 foot wide window.
When you want to install your window header in your building frame, one of the most important decision is the how to decide window header size, their width and depth.
Correctly sizing the window header or the opening is a critical not only for a smooth opening of window and also maintaining the structural integrity of your home. If your header is not correctly sized, it may be creating problem in open and close properly, if you frame glass, it might be chance of crack.
Window header are usually built of two pieces of dimensional lumber or engineer wood or LVL or Gulam beam which are placed side by side. Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product that uses multiple layers of thin wood assembled with glue or adhesives. Glued laminated timber (Glulam) is a type of structural engineered wood product constituted by layers of dimensional lumber bonded together with durable, moisture-resistant structural adhesives.
Window header is any strong beam that horizontally span an opening over top of window. It is a structure element like a bridge that allow the space below to open not closed. Window Header is a horizontal beam generally made of timber that provided along the opening in full length for window. Wood header provide structural support in wood frame construction.
Typically window header is provided at least twice size then any other surrounding members such as rafter, purlin and stud. It is often made of two joists, rafter or studs. It runs between full length supports and along its length and carry the load of shorter studs, joists or rafter that terminate at the opening.
The window header helps to provide support, stability and strength to the top and side sections of the window frame. The header for a window is seems like a bridge that transferring the weight above it to the floor and foundation below. The header is usually made out of dimensional sawn lumber installed on its edge. Calculating and know the size of the window header depends on what the header needs to support.
Window Headers carry the weight of the structure above and transfer it to the trimmers down to the floors and foundations below. Longer openings such as in garage require larger headers. Load bearing walls those that carry the weight of joists and trusses require larger headers than non-bearing wall.
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What size header is needed for a window
Window headers are usually built of two pieces of dimensional sawn lumber or engineered wood such as Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) or Glued laminated timber (Glulam) is an product that uses multiple layers of thin wood assembled with glue or adhesives and placed side-by-side. Like other pieces used in wall systems, window header thickness is limited by the depth of the wall.
Most wall systems use 2×4 (two by four), which are actually 3-1/2 inches wide. Greater strength for beams can be achieved by using thicker beams. But this is not possible in walls since the walls always have to maintain that 3-1/2-inch depth.
Generally window opening is 3 feet (36 inches) to 4 feet (48 inches) wide or less. Generally a 3 foot (36″), 4 foot (48″), 2 foot (24″) and 30 inch wide window or opening is used in building frame.
For windows that span 36 inches or less, use 2 2×4 (double two by four) or one 4×4 (single four by four). Since many windows are in the 24-inch to 34-inch range (width), this is a commonly used window header size.
What size header for a 3 foot window
As per general experience, for windows that span a 3 foot (36 inches) or less, such as 30 inches, 32 inches, you would need double 2×4 or one 4×4 size header and one trimmer. Thus, double 2×4 size header is most suitable for a 3 foot wide window or opening. Since many windows are in the width of 24″, 30″, 32″ and 36 inches, so double 2×4 size header is commonly used. Thus double 2×4 size header is needed for a 3 foot window or opening.
What size header for a 4 foot window
As per general experience, for windows that span a 4 foot (48 inches) or less, such as 42 inches, 45 inches, you need double 2×6 size header. Thus, double 2×6 size header is most suitable for a 4 foot wide window or opening. Thus, double 2×6 size header is needed for a 4 foot (48″) wide window or opening.
What size header for a 5 foot window
As per general experience, for windows that span a 5 foot (60 inches) or less, such as 50 inches, 54 inches, you need double 2×8 size header. Thus, double 2×8 size header is most suitable for a 5 foot (60″) wide window or opening. Thus, double 2×8 size header is needed for a 5 foot (60″) wide window or opening.
What size header for a 6 foot window
As per general experience, for windows that span a 6 foot (72 inches) or less, such as 62 inches, 66 inches, you need double 2×10 size header. Thus, double 2×10 size header is most suitable for a 6 foot (72″) wide window or opening. Thus, double 2×10 size header is needed for a 6 foot (72″) wide window or opening.
Many factors control the header size, this is recommendation for single storey construction on a home that is 20 feet wide. Wider building decrease header span length, heavy snow or other factors can change window header size and other factor is also local Building Code that help in correct window header size.
Conclusions:-
1) For windows that span a 3 foot (36 inches) or less, such as 30 inches, 32 inches, 24 inches, you need double 2×4 or one 4×4 size header. Thus, 2- 2×4 or 4×4 size header is needed for a 3 foot window or opening.
2) For windows that span a 4 foot (48 inches) or less, such as 42 inches, 44 inches, 48 inches, you need double 2×6 size header. Thus, 2- 2×6 size header is needed for a 4 foot window or opening.
3) For windows that span a 5 foot (60 inches) or less, such as 50 inches, 54 inches, 52 inches, you need double 2×8 size header. Thus, 2- 2×8 size header is needed for a 5 foot window or opening.
4) For windows that span a 6 foot (72 inches) or less, such as 62 inches, 66 inches, 65 inches, you need double 2×10 size header. Thus, 2- 2×10 size header is needed for a 6 foot window or opening.
