Mecklenburg County
Common Code Defects
Residential Building
Code Defects

Header not bearing on jack studs. Imposed loads not transferred to the
supporting structural element
Code Description
R502.6
The ends of beams shall have not less than 11/2” inches of bearing on wood or metal
Possible Options:

Shim header

Replace jack stud with tight fitting jack stud

Lower header
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.