Header Above Sliding Glass Door

Window and door header requirements.

Header above sliding glass door.

However all the header sizing tables i have seen require 2 2x10 for this size opening. Also be aware double or triple jack studs may be required based on the opening width and the load the header carries. The header is usually made out of dimensional lumber installed on its edge. So for piece of mind i am leaning toward replacing the header to avoid future problems.

We are installing a new 6 sliding glass door to replace an existing window. Together the headers king studs and trimmers act as a system that transfers weight from above down and around the window and door openings to the floor and foundation below. A typical header width with single jack studs is cut 3 larger than the rough opening. The header for a door is much like a bridge transferring the weight above it to the floor and foundation below.

For header spans see tables r502 5 1 and r502 5 2. The longer the distance a header spans and the heavier the load it supports the more substantial it needs to be. Calculating window and door header requirements is complicated because they depend on a variety of factors including the size of the opening the weight of everything above it snow loads if it s an interior or exterior wall and more. So if you re on the top floor you can use 2 2x4 s unless the building is 36 wide in which case you ll need 2 2x6 s.

The existing header is 2 2x8 and is actually long enough for the new door.