Title:

Replacing a Load Bearing Wall with a Beam

Headers are framing members which span over an opening in a wall. Their function is to maintain the integrity of the structure by transferring the loads from above to bearing members at either end of the beam. In renovations, the full or partial removal of a load-bearing wall, or widening of an existing opening, requires a new header to carry the preexisting loads. There are many header options available to the designer, but few professionals are familiar with all the available materials. As a solution, a design-aid was created to take a range of materials into account. These include dimensional lumber, laminated strand lumber (LSL), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), parallel strand lumber (PSL), glued laminated timber (glulam), steel W-shapes, steel M-shapes, and steel S-shapes. Header material selection is based on the framing structure, span of the opening, available height, budget, and the magnitude of the loads carried. This spreadsheet tool allows the designer to quickly compare potential headers to arrive at the best solution for the situation.

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