Im currently building a 12×5 sauna with a single sloped metal roof. If my two 12′ walls will be load bearing do i need a header for my 26″ opening for my door on the smaller 5′ wall? The reason im trying to avoid one is my rough opening is only 78″ from the floor to my first top plate.
Newer pressure treatments don't offer the same rot and decay resistance. Follow these simple strategies to give outdoor lumber its best chance of survival.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Yes, you'll need a header for your 26" door opening, even with limited space. Headers provide crucial support for load-bearing walls, and without one, you risk structural issues. Since your space is tight with 78" from the floor to the top plate, you could opt for a smaller engineered header to save space but still ensure stability.
If that 5’ framed wall is going into that opening you show in the first picture, I don’t thing think you’ll need a header. I’m not sure if those rafters sit on the long wall or if you’re using hangers there…..but.
You could run plywood sheathing laterally and start at the top, fill in the shorter sides second. I’m no engineer but that should give you enough shear strength.
Remember what this answer cost you.
Yes the rafters sit on both long walls. Ive cut birdsmouth cuts in each end and used hurricane ties as well.
You'll be fine without a header. This is such a short length of wall that supports little (if any) roof load, so there's really no need. @raouldupuis sounds like an AI generated response. Your long walls carry the roof loads.
Remember that the sheathing is what really contributes to a shed's later stiffness (think wind loading). Always maximize the size of each piece of plywood and avoid little fill-in pieces. Nail the edges to the studs & rafters 4-6" o/c. Use a construction adhesive as well.
If it needed a header, which it doesn't, you could use a flush header. A flush header is set above the top plate and not in the wall.
We’ll look, another fake or figutively called A I post.
Must have time off from political ads.
Pure genius!