installing new header for 16 ft sliding glass door (roof, foundation, paint)

[PNWGuy]

We are looking to install a 4 panel, 16 ft sliding glass door. I am wondering what is typically required from a framing perspective. I understand a new header would be needed, as well as a footer if one doesn't already exist. Is there a specific size header or depth for footer?

[Rabrrita]

No "standard"; its all base on engineering. You need an engineer, architect, or other qualifed person to do the math based on all the specifics of your building.

[PNWGuy]

ok, thank make sense, i can see how it would vary based on 1 vs 2 vs 3 story.

we have a 1 story home, and the framer wants to put a 17' header. may need to call the city.

[AustinB]

3 12 inch lvl's would work. They are good for up to 22 feet. always check with an expert in your area though.

[mkarch]

if/when you get this done, please post what you went with. I'd be curious to see a retrofit like this.

[PNWGuy]

the beam is 17' length, 5" wide and 16.5" tall, it is supported at each end with 6" square posts. Its supporting the bottom of a pitched roof, no attic.

my only concern is that only 3.5" of the 6" post is supporting the beam, there is additional 2x6 next to it, but I think that was for framing purposes. On the other side, the 6" post is inside the end of the beam by about 4".

my GC said permit isn't necessary for some odd reason I dont remember, now that I'm looking online, I think I should have gotten one.

[nybbler]

Originally Posted by PNWGuy

the beam is 17' length, 5" wide and 16.5" tall, it is supported at each end with 6" square posts. Its supporting the bottom of a pitched roof, no attic.

my only concern is that only 3.5" of the 6" post is supporting the beam, there is additional 2x6 next to it, but I think that was for framing purposes.

All depends on the tables used; they will specify a bearing length. 3" seems to be typical though.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Sounds like the first step in Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon-

Bend-over, grab your ankles, and repeat after me:
"Thank you, sir! May I please have another?"

[TrapperL]

Wouldn't be much different than a garage door header. Our local code says if it's a masonry finish we must use a heavy wall 4x5" steel lintel that is bolted every 16". We either have a header truss made up that extends 2 feet wider than the span, each side, or we use a 12" Glulam with a 1600' radius and take it 2 feet wider each side to carry the load if masonry above it. If there's no masonry above, a triple stud at each end is more than enough to carry most roof weights and extend the Glulam 4 1/2" past the span opening. This is assuming no second story.

[bellmark]

We just did similar within the last 6-8 weeks for a 12ft 4-pane slider... it looks amazing. (Simonton)
Lower level of a split so the load was going to the existing foundation making it much easier.

We found a local but large multi location building center that had on site estimators at corporate familiar with lumber software... in our case, Boise Cascade. I took my plans and photos of the house over and they spec'd Versalam product for the header and the columns.

We used the 1" high strong tie bases to mount to concrete slab (which has footers under). 6 inch concrete bolts I think. May have been longer. not going anywhere

The boise software printout was good enough for our inspectors, but I also paid a few hundred for an engineer to "bless" it with a letter and to determine one interior footer size for another beam. very difficult to find someone to do that.



Pic attached... this is what I have on my computer right now. Others are on my phone.
I have finished/painted pics. Looks amazing to see the outside so clearly.
I also attached what we received from the building supplier.
(Note we also put in an 17ft beam in the middle of the room)


I am just a crafty homeowner and my son does have experience in the construction and demolition trades, but for the most part we figured this out as we went along

Inspector was very impressed.