2 x 4 window headers?

[mgbinspect]

Yesterday, during a pre-drywall new construction inspection, I noticed that the framed window opening headers were 2 x 4's instead of 2 x 6's or 2 x 8's. The wall thickness is six inches, so there are three 2 x 4's in each header. 

Since this is the first time I've seen this, I wonder if any of my fellow home inspectors have run across this and found it to be an approved practice?

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

 

[Tom Raymond]

The actual header is likely at the rim joist.

Did you pull back any insulation?

[mgbinspect]

Hey Tom!

I reached in to determine if any of the members were taller. They were not.

[Marc]

  On 9/23/2019 at 12:17 PM, Tom Raymond said:

The actual header is likely at the rim joist.

Did you pull back any insulation?

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How would the ceiling load be transferred to a rim joist on a TIJ ceiling?

Take a look at Table R 502.5(1).

Edited September 23, 2019 by Marc

[mgbinspect]

  On 9/23/2019 at 12:21 PM, Marc said:

How would the ceiling load be transferred to a rim joist on a TIJ ceiling?

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(I was trying to put that together in my head as well...)

Edited September 23, 2019 by mgbinspect

[Tom Raymond]

Joist hangers. By moving the header into the platform you create room for installation. Especially important if you're going to rely on inefficient fiberglass. 

[mgbinspect]

Back to the subject - has anyone run across this? I think it's panelized construction.

[Marc]

http://www.co.stevens.wa.us/landservices/documents/WALLFRAMINGSECTION.pdf

Page 4

[Marc]

  On 9/23/2019 at 12:32 PM, mgbinspect said:

Back to the subject - has anyone run across this? I think it's panelized construction.

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I've never seen wall headers any smaller than 2X6 in my 'unsophisticated' area.

[mgbinspect]

  On 9/23/2019 at 12:33 PM, Marc said:

http://www.co.stevens.wa.us/landservices/documents/WALLFRAMINGSECTION.pdf

Page 4

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Thanks Marc!

I don't see this configuration in there, so I'll call it out as needing further evaluation.

Have a great day!

[Tom Raymond]

Nothing in the code says that the header has to be at the top of the window. There is no prohibition of placing it in the platform assembly. In fact, the TJI manuals typically detail several options for doing exactly that. 

[Chad Fabry]

Supporting roof, ceiling, and one center bearing floor, the IRC says that 2 2x4's can span 27 inches. with a 50# snow load. Where you are, they can span 32 inches.

 3 2x4's aren't in the chart but they're likely up to that task. Look at the plans. 

[mgbinspect]

  On 9/23/2019 at 12:53 PM, Chad Fabry said:

3 2x4's aren't in the chart but they're likely up to that task. Look at the plans. 

 

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I deduced that was probably the case as well. It was just a first for me, so I thought I'd bounce it off all you braniacs. Thanks for the input.

Edited September 24, 2019 by mgbinspect

[mgbinspect]

  On 9/23/2019 at 12:35 PM, Marc said:

I've never seen wall headers any smaller than 2X6 in my 'unsophisticated' area.

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Me either, which is why this was a curveball.