Garage Door Header Framing

Header the header is ideally a minimum 12 wide micro laminated beam that spans the width of the garage door opening.

Garage door header framing. If the door is 7 tall frame the opening 7 1 5. Header requirement 2 at minimum the header should be 12 wide with doubled 2 4 at opening and ceiling running the width of the door with a 2 4 in the center of the opening for the center bracket to attach to. A portal frame is defined as two uprights connected at the top by a third horizontal member the header. Use 2 inch lumber for the jambs as well and ensure they are appropriately nailed to the door opening with the help of a nail gun or hammer.

In an attempt to construct portal frames some garages are built with one continuous garage header extending over two or three garage door openings as shown in figure a. Frame the rough opening to a height that is 1 5 taller than the door that you have selected. If you are installing a 9 wide door the opening will be 9 3 wide. Ideally 2 x6 is the most used header size.

Garage wall framing typically utilizes this technique encompassing the vehicle doors. Frame the rough opening to 3 inches wider than the garage door size you have selected. Framing for a non load bearing door header. Normally deflection isn t too noticeable but with a garage door header you have the reference of the door.

The procedure for constructing a header for 6 inch exterior wall framing can be modified for any wall thickness. The width of the lumber should be between 6 and 8. Building a structural header for a garage door opening can be handled on the jobsite and will offer the same structural support as more expensive solid wood beams. Local and national building codes have specific structural requirements pertaining to beam sizes to span specific wall openings relative to the wall loads so consult your local building department before beginning this.

All doors are set into a frame an opening inside the wall.