All,
I am in the process of a kitchen remodel. I want to remove an exterior wall between the kitchen and a sun room added on (by the previous owner). My house is a 2 story and this exterior wall is directly over an upstairs bedroom. I believe the 2nd story floor joists run perpendicular to the exterior wall…so I guess that means the exterior wall plate is carrying this load?.
The previous owner left a 6 foot sliding patio door in this wall when he added the sunroom, and I am assuming there is a header over it. I basically want to remove the patio door and increase the span from 6 feet to 14 feet. Could reduce to 12 feet but want 14. How big of a header will I need for this span?..I was thinking a two 2 x 10’s sandwhiching a 3/4″ plywood…I hope I dopn’t need a steel beam for this. Thanks for you help.
Steve
Replies
Think a little bigger. I would either consult an engineer or a code book on this one. I do know from previous experience that you'll probably end up with some steel or an LVL. 14' is a decent sized span.
Steve, Google for "I-Level" and go to the site, then drill into it for the specifier's guide to wall and roof framing.
In that downloadable .pdf document, you will see diagrams that show support beams in most all the common usages of housebuilding. Find one that looks like your situation, and start absorbing all the wonderful information there.
Your information is far too sketchy for us to help you, and believe me, you don't want to go through this process using the "resources" at this forum.
You need to understand your situation completely, and be able to diagram it, and you need to find a good local professional source for a solution.
That means an engineer at best, or someone really good at a lumber dealer, or the dealer's referred pro source at his structural lumber wholesaler.
Doesn't sound like it's going to cut it. I have to agree with the last poster minus consulting a lumber yard. You're going to have to get an engineer. The sunroom is not relevant. The 6' door is in an exterior wall that is supporting not only vertical load but lateral load.
Only an engineer can tell you what is going to required to make up for all the sheer wall you are removing. My guess is it's going to be two simpson strongwalls and maybe an LVL between. Maybe steel.
-Allon
Definately consult a lumberyard. Better to be safe than sorry.
But, off the top of my head, i think a double 14 or 16" LVL should carry the span. Anyone have LVL specs handy?