Mecklenburg County
Common Code Defects
Residential Building
Code Defects
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Improper framing of openings in interior load-bearing walls.
Openings in interior load-bearing walls not supported by structural headers.
Code Description
Section R602.7 Headers. For header spans see Tables R502.5(1) and
R502.5(2).
Section R602.4 Interior Load-Bearing Walls. Interior load-bearing walls
shall be constructed, framed, and fireblocked as specified for exterior walls.
Section R602.3 Design And Construction. Exterior walls of wood-frame
construction shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions of this
chapter and Figures R602.3(1) and R602.3(2) or in accordance with . . . .
Possible Options:
Install structural headers framed per Figure R602.3(2) and sized per spans listed in
Tables R502.5(1) and R502.5(2).
Disclaimer: There may be other ways to comply with the Code. If so, you are not
required to use this method to comply with the Code. You may want to
investigate other options, or consult with a design professional identifying an
equally code compliant solution.
Mecklenburg County
Common Code Defects
Mecklenburg County
Common Code Defects