I'm attempting to move some windows. I have an engineer drawing up the exact plans of how to make sure it is structurally sound, but my question here is more on actual implementation.
In one or two locations I will be installing a new header of fairly significant size (~7') which is higher and offset from an existing header. This is a grade level previously converted carport that I'm leveling the floor of and incorporating into part of the house. The existing header is where the garage entrance use to be. It looks like this (orange is new header for a window [approximate location, does not include structural components, just for visualization of what I'm trying to accomplish]).
I have a hip roof and the ceiling joists for this particular location run parallel with the exterior wall the distance of both the old and new headers.
How can I add the new header safely and how much of the existing header do I have to remove?
My only thinking is to punch some holes and build some temporary supports perpendicular under the top plate… lots of work!
Best Answer
Based on your description of the loading, I wouldn't be too concerned about supporting it at all unless you're going to leave the framing out for any significant period of time (days for example). If anything it might sag a fraction of an inch, but you'll true it up when the new header goes in. You'll want to remove the old one first and re-frame that section of the wall, then cut in your new rough opening and put the new one in. Pretty simple, and I've done this numerous times with patio doors.
If you're concerned about the weight, consider that there are quite a few houses out there dating from the time before building codes became common that don't have proper headers over windows and doors at all. I've done several jobs where I had to install headers that were missing in the first place. Also, I've done a couple garage demolitions where I had a hard time removing enough structure to make it collapse.