Header Installation

What This Service Involves

A header is the beam that carries wall and roof loads across an opening where studs are interrupted. Whether you are cutting in a new window, widening a doorway, or removing part of a wall, we size the header to the span and load and set it on correctly sized king and jack studs. Undersized headers sag and crack finishes over time, so we follow engineered spans and use LVL or built-up members where the load demands. Temporary shoring supports the structure while we swap in the new beam without disturbing the wall around it. Once seated and fastened, the opening carries its load cleanly and passes inspection.

Benefits

Openings that carry load without sagging or cracking; Correctly sized LVL or built-up beams for the span; Proper king and jack stud support at each end; Safe temporary shoring during the cut-in; A finished opening ready for windows, doors, or clear passage

Our Process

1) Calculate the load and span to size the correct header; 2) Shore the wall and safely remove studs at the opening; 3) Set the header on sized bearing studs and fasten securely; 4) Confirm bearing and, when required, pass structural inspection

What Affects the Cost

Span width and the loads above the opening; Header material, whether dimensional, built-up, or LVL; Whether the wall is load-bearing or a partition; Access and shoring needed to work safely; Any inspection or engineering the change triggers

Best Time of Year

Header work happens year-round; for exterior openings we schedule around dry-in so the wall stays weather-tight during Puget Sound rains.