Header Above Sliding Glass Door

However all the header sizing tables i have seen require 2 2x10 for this size opening.

Header above sliding glass door.

We are installing a new 6 sliding glass door to replace an existing window. Window and door header requirements. The existing header is 2 2x8 and is actually long enough for the new door. Also be aware double or triple jack studs may be required based on the opening width and the load the header carries.

Doors in a load bearing wall that holds the weight of the house created by beams and trusses need a larger header than those in non load bearing walls. 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. A 36 door has a rough opening width of 38 so your header is cut at 41. The header is usually made out of dimensional lumber installed on its edge.

A typical header width with single jack studs is cut 3 larger than the rough opening. So for piece of mind i am leaning toward replacing the header to avoid future problems. 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. 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.

If you have a floor above you ll need 2 2x6 s unless the building is 36 wide in which case you ll need 2 2x8 s.