2 story wood framed residence...header flush with 2nd floor framing?

[somedude2]

Is this possible?
I'm not sure about breaking the top plates and how to reinforce the break.
The client wants a few window heads to stop right at the ceiling line.
Balloon frame to the roof in the areas of the flush headers?
Thanks

 

[dswag]

Do you have a simplified detail you could attach? What about the floor thickness?

 

[msquared48]

Depending on the load and the span, you may be able to keep the header depth within the joist space - it's called a flush beam.

You need to engage a local structural engineer on this.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[msquared48]

If this is at the floor of the second story, it should be doable.

However, if it at the ceiling of the second story, it may be doable, but the framing would be more difficult and expensive, as well as possibly unorthodox.

A cross section would help.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[EngineeringAdam]

It is possible - and as mentioned already it is called a flush beam.

Breaking top plates isn't un-doable either - adding a strap with the correct capacity will be needed.

As stated, hire a structural engineer!

 

[ztengguy]

Im trying to picture it, would you be able to use the rim/band beam as the load bearing beam spanning over the window? Maybe double them up, and the joists frame into the side? So the top of the window is flush?