Please only answer if you are a structural engineer, doing such work...Excuse my ignorance, but.... We are considering some (fairly minor) alterations to our house. I realize everything structural should be taken seriously, but sometimes it seems overdone. Consider adding a single window to a load bearing wall framed with 2x4's. One could argue such a wall should not exist, but it does. Anyway, if one 2x4 is cut to make the opening, and a triple 2x8 header installed, this is inarguably overkill, and would only cost about $15 for material. But, I often hear 'consult....' with such an issue. That stops me dead in my tracks because...If an engineer is going to 'certify' such a job, I can envision he may first want to ensure that the studs, foundation, and ground on either side of window can support new load. Perhaps he should also supervise the removal, temporary support, and installation. This could cost $1000's. So, what do I do for a project needing several seemingly simple changes?
2007-12-16 01:37:29 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Sorry, I shouldn't have said '..only answer if you are'...I should have also said, OR if you have actual experience in dealing with a structural engineer, especially if you have done such projects around your own home. Basically, I want to hear what a small-time renovator has done, or what a small-time renovator should do.
2007-12-16 02:02:17 · update #1
Alright, I'm not an eng., but I have been a carpenter since '95. You don't need an eng. degree for this, just practical experience. Assuming that your load bearing wall has 2X4's on 16" centers, cutting one stud and installing a header in the space will only leave you 27 1/2" for a rough opening for your window (enough for a 2/0-[2 foot] window). I would use a 2X10 header with 1/2" plywood sandwiched between the 2-2X10's. Your 2X10 header should be 30 1/2" long (the space between studs) and you will have to put a jack stud on either side of the opening to support the header. You only need 26" for a rough opening, so you might as well put an extra jack stud in to reduce the opening to 26". The only real concern would be if therer was a beam or other load bearing member directly above where you wanted to put your window. Then you would want to prop up, or support the beam while you are installing the header. If we're only talking about floor joists above this area, then the studs and joist on both sides of the hole should support the weight while installing the header. Of course, this must be done by someone who has looked at this particular situation and verified that it is safe to do it this way. You don't really need an eng. for this decision, an experienced carpenter or contractor will be able to give an answer, but the permit office (city hall) may want an eng.'s stamp on this, but it sounds pretty simple. By the way, just because someone says that they are a carpenter, doesn't mean that they really are. As always, check references AND visit past work. Look at the strucural aspects, if possible. If their work looks flush, tight, straight, and 'clean', and they are confident in their abilities, then they will probably do a great job. As is the way, carpentry is not rocket science, so anyone can do it, but it is experience that teaches how and what to do....don.t hire an amatuer. Good luck, I hope this helps. I live around Washington D.C., If you need help, email me at mrstudpuppy333@yahoo.com.
P.S. By the way, if your home is older, than there are other concerns about weight distribution that should be taken into account.
2007-12-16 02:21:04 · answer #1 · answered by martin j 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In our community we are required to obtain a building permit in order to make structural, electrical, heating, ventillating, etc.modifications to existing buildings.
In order to get the permit a person must submit a plan, a drawing, or a sketch to the city's building engineering department which indicates the changes that are going to be made in as much detail as possible, to assure that all the required building codes are going to be complied with.
It is at this point that if they feel it necessary, they will tell you to consult with a structural engineer before they will grant you a permit to proceed, or if you already have a permit and the city is inspecting the work as it progresses, they might ask tou at any time to consult with an engineer before proceeding.
2007-12-16 09:18:53 · answer #2 · answered by gatorbait 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The person who recommended the use off a structural engineer must have had some reservations about the bearing strength of the wall or something else.
Just Friday a saw a structure which collapsed because the bearing wall was not strong enough. The cost of repairing now exceeds the savings by a lot.
2007-12-16 02:35:02 · answer #3 · answered by watergump44 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋