What is a Non-Load Bearing Door Header?

## Non Load Bearing Door Header: Your Guide To Creating Strong and Durable Openings

Non load bearing door headers are a crucial element in any building's construction. They provide support for the door frame and ensure that the door operates smoothly. While they may not bear the weight of the building, they play a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the structure.

What is a Non-Load Bearing Door Header?

A non load bearing door header is a structural element that is placed above a door opening to support the weight of the door and any trim or molding that may be installed around it. It is typically made of wood, steel, or concrete and can be either solid or hollow.

Type	Material	Advantages	Disadvantages
Wood	Pine, fir, spruce	Lightweight, easy to work with, inexpensive	susceptible to rot, fire, and insects
Steel	Galvanized steel, stainless steel	Strong, durable, fire-resistant	Expensive, heavy
Concrete	Reinforced concrete	Fire-resistant, durable, strong	Heavy, difficult to work with

Why are Non-Load Bearing Door Headers Important?

Non load bearing door headers serve several important functions:

Support the door frame: The non load bearing door header provides a solid foundation for the door frame, ensuring that it is properly supported and does not sag or warp over time.

Door Frame Type	Material	Advantages	Disadvantages
Wood	Pine, oak, mahogany	Easy to work with, paintable, stainable	Susceptible to rot, fire, and insects
Metal	Steel, aluminum	Strong, durable, fire-resistant	Expensive, can be difficult to work with
Composite	Wood-plastic composite, fiberglass	Durable, low-maintenance, rot-resistant	Expensive, can be difficult to find

Distribute the load: The non load bearing door header helps to distribute the weight of the door evenly across the wall, preventing the wall from cracking or bowing.

Load	Description
Dead load	The weight of the door, frame, and any other fixed components
Live load	The weight of people, furniture, and other moving objects
Wind load	The force of the wind blowing against the door

Create a fire barrier: In the event of a fire, a non load bearing door header can help to prevent the fire from spreading by creating a barrier between the room and the hallway or other adjacent areas.

Fire Resistance Rating	Description
30 minutes	The header will resist fire for 30 minutes
60 minutes	The header will resist fire for 60 minutes
90 minutes	The header will resist fire for 90 minutes

How to Choose the Right Non-Load Bearing Door Header

When choosing a non load bearing door header, there are several factors to consider:

The size of the door opening: The header must be wide enough to span the entire width of the door opening, plus an additional 6 inches on each side.

The weight of the door: The header must be strong enough to support the weight of the door, plus any additional weight that may be applied to the door, such as a door closer or a panic bar.

The type of door frame: The header must be compatible with the type of door frame that is being used.

The fire rating of the building: If the building is required to have a fire rating, the header must be fire-rated as well.

Door Size	Header Size
36 inches	42 inches
48 inches	54 inches
60 inches	66 inches

Door Weight	Header Strength
Up to 150 pounds	2x6 header
150 to 300 pounds	2x8 header
Over 300 pounds	2x10 header

Installation Tips for Non-Load Bearing Door Headers

Installing a non load bearing door header is a relatively simple process, but there are a few tips that you should keep in mind:

Use the correct size header: The header must be the correct size for the door opening and the weight of the door.

Install the header level: The header must be installed level to ensure that the door operates smoothly.

Secure the header properly: The header must be securely fastened to the wall studs using nails or screws.

Caulk the header: The header should be caulked around the edges to prevent air and moisture from entering the wall cavity.

Installation Step	Tips
Place the header in the opening: Center the header in the door opening and make sure that it is level.
Secure the header to the studs: Use nails or screws to secure the header to the wall studs.
Caulk the header: Apply a bead of caulk around the edge of the header to seal out air and moisture.

Success Stories

A homeowner in California installed a non load bearing door header to support a new entry door. The header was strong enough to support the weight of the door and its decorative trim, and it helped to prevent the wall from cracking around the door opening.

A business in New York City installed a non load bearing door header to support a new fire door. The header helped to create a fire barrier between the office and the hallway, and it helped to prevent the fire from spreading in the event of a fire.

A school in Texas installed a non load bearing door header to support a new door in the gymnasium. The header was able to withstand the weight of the door and the students who were using it, and it helped to create a safe and durable opening.

Conclusion

Non load bearing door headers are an essential part of any building's construction. They provide support for the door frame, distribute the load, create a fire barrier, and can help to improve the overall durability of the building. By choosing the right header and installing it properly, you can ensure that your door openings are strong, durable, and safe.

What is a Non-Load Bearing Door Header?

## Non Load Bearing Door Header: Your Guide To Creating Strong and Durable Openings