Framing an insulated door header
#1
02-08-20, 05:10 AM
Framing an insulated door header
I'm building a header for a sliding glass door in my basement. The wall has 2x6 studs. The county building department wants me to use three 2x12s in the header.
I'd like to insulate the header. Is it acceptable if I make a sandwich using three 2x12s separated by 1/2" rigid foam insulation? It would look like this:
[2x12]
[1/2" foam board]
[2x12]
[1/2" foam board]
[2x12]
Thanks for any help.
I'd like to insulate the header. Is it acceptable if I make a sandwich using three 2x12s separated by 1/2" rigid foam insulation? It would look like this:
[2x12]
[1/2" foam board]
[2x12]
[1/2" foam board]
[2x12]
Thanks for any help.
Last edited by cdet97; 02-08-20 at 05:11 AM. Reason: Missing word
#2
02-08-20, 05:38 AM
Group Moderator
I would ask your building inspection's dept. since they are the ones who will make the yes or no decision. They may have a concern about how the header will stay together under load with something soft like insulation acting as a spacer.
#3
02-08-20, 05:43 AM
I cant give you a professional answer but I'd say generally speaking yes, you could do that. Normally, you only need two 2X12's for a door header with a 2X4 wall.
However, in your scenario, 3 - 2X6's will be 5 1/4" thick. 2 half inch sheets of insulation is 1". That's a total of 6 1/4".
Your 2X6 studs are going to 5 1/2" deep.
In short, your header is going to be 3/4" too thick.
I'm sure some of the professionals will correct my mistakes.
However, in your scenario, 3 - 2X6's will be 5 1/4" thick. 2 half inch sheets of insulation is 1". That's a total of 6 1/4".
Your 2X6 studs are going to 5 1/2" deep.
In short, your header is going to be 3/4" too thick.
I'm sure some of the professionals will correct my mistakes.
#4
02-08-20, 06:36 AM
