Non Load Bearing Door Headers: A Guide to Their Benefits, Installation and Uses

Non load bearing door headers are structural components installed above doorways to support the framing members and surrounding wall structure. They are designed to carry the weight of the door and its components, such as trim and hardware, but not the weight of the structure above the door. This makes them a crucial element in ensuring the stability and safety of buildings.

Non load bearing door header Design Considerations

Non load bearing door headers are typically constructed from wood, steel, or composite materials. The type of material used will depend on the specific requirements of the door and the surrounding structure.

Wood Headers: Wood headers are the most common type of non load bearing door header and are typically made from solid wood or engineered wood products (e.g., laminated veneer lumber). They are relatively easy to install and can be cut and shaped to accommodate different door sizes and openings.

Steel Headers: Steel headers are stronger and more durable than wood headers and are often used in commercial and industrial buildings. They are typically made from hot-rolled steel or cold-formed steel and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Composite Headers: Composite headers are made from a combination of materials, such as wood and steel. They offer the strength and durability of steel with the ease of installation of wood.

Material	Advantages	Disadvantages
Wood	Lightweight, easy to install, inexpensive	Not as strong as steel or composite materials
Steel	Strong, durable, fire-resistant	Heavy, more difficult to install, more expensive
Composite	Combines the advantages of wood and steel	Can be more expensive than wood or steel headers

Sizing and Installation of Non Load Bearing Door Headers

The size of a non load bearing door header will depend on the size of the door and the span of the opening. The span is the distance between the two supporting walls or posts. The header should be at least as wide as the door opening and should extend at least 6 inches beyond each side of the opening.

The installation of a non load bearing door header is a relatively simple process. The header is typically placed on top of the door frame and secured with nails or screws. It is important to ensure that the header is level and plumb before securing it in place.

Header Size	Span
2x4	Up to 4 feet
2x6	Up to 6 feet
2x8	Up to 8 feet

Benefits of Using Non Load Bearing Door Headers

There are several benefits to using non load bearing door headers in buildings:

Increased Safety: Non load bearing door headers provide additional support to the door frame, which can help to prevent the door from sagging or collapsing. This is especially important in high-traffic areas or in areas where the door is subject to heavy loads.

Improved Structural Integrity: Non load bearing door headers can help to strengthen the overall structure of the building by providing additional support to the surrounding walls. This is especially important in areas where the walls are not load-bearing.

Cost Savings: Non load bearing door headers can help to save money on construction costs by eliminating the need for additional support structures. This is especially true in larger buildings where the cost of additional support structures can be significant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Non Load Bearing Door Headers

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when installing non load bearing door headers. These include:

Using the Wrong Size Header: Using a header that is too small for the span of the opening can lead to the header sagging or collapsing.

Installing the Header Incorrectly: Installing the header incorrectly can also lead to it sagging or collapsing. It is important to ensure that the header is level and plumb before securing it in place.

Not Using Enough Nails or Screws: Not using enough nails or screws to secure the header can also lead to it sagging or collapsing. It is important to use enough nails or screws to ensure that the header is securely attached to the surrounding structure.

Conclusion

Non load bearing door headers are an important part of any building's structure. They provide additional support to the door frame and the surrounding walls, which can help to improve safety, structural integrity, and cost savings. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can ensure that non load bearing door headers are installed correctly and safely in your buildings.

Non Load Bearing Door Header Stories

Story 1:

A large commercial building was experiencing problems with its doors sagging and collapsing. The problem was traced to the fact that the non load bearing door headers were undersized for the span of the openings. The headers were replaced with larger headers, and the problem was solved.

Benefits:

Increased safety

Improved structural integrity

Cost savings

How to Do:

Use the correct size header for the span of the opening.

Install the header correctly.

Use enough nails or screws to secure the header.

Story 2:

A residential building was being remodeled, and the contractor decided to remove the non load bearing door header over the front door. The result was a sagging door and a weakened wall structure. The contractor had to replace the header and reinforce the wall structure.

Benefits:

Increased safety

Improved structural integrity

Cost savings

How to Do:

Do not remove non load bearing door headers unless absolutely necessary.

If you must remove a non load bearing door header, consult with a structural engineer to ensure that the wall structure is properly reinforced.

Sections for Each Story

Section 1: Benefits

Increased safety

Improved structural integrity

Cost savings

Section 2: How to Do

Use the correct size header for the span of the opening.

Install the header correctly.

Use enough nails or screws to secure the header.

Non Load Bearing Door Headers: A Guide to Their Benefits, Installation and Uses