No jack studs, load bearing wall


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Old 01-24-18, 12:21 PM
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No jack studs, load bearing wall

I removed some drywall yesterday evening to add some insulation (framers didn't replace insulation) and noticed there were no jack studs installed where I had a new window installed (30" x 50" DH). Although this is an exterior wall, there is a 2-ply 1.75"x11.875" LVL that spans above. Is it okay to not have jack studs considering the LVL beam is picking up the load on that wall? Considering the window, sheathing, siding, trim, etc. has already been installed on the exterior of the home, what is the best way to strengthen up the "floating" header they put above the window (consisting of three 2x4s laying flat with single cripple stud in the middle between top of header and bottom of LVL)? Use a couple 90 degree Simpson angles on each side under the header? Problem I see with this is it will kick out my drywall, but I could shim if needed so everything is plumb. Would toe-nailing be enough?
 
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Old 01-24-18, 12:33 PM
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Can you post a couple pics?
 
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Old 01-24-18, 12:40 PM
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Sure. I'll post a pic in a couple hours when I get home.
 
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Old 01-24-18, 12:58 PM
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I think you are saying the wall was built and then a window was cut into the wall? If so the load should have already been supposed on the existing framing.
 
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Old 01-24-18, 01:11 PM
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The LVL is what needs the trimmers... the flat 2x4s don't need anything, but toenailing them would help.
 
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Old 01-24-18, 01:24 PM
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I think you are saying the wall was built and then a window was cut into the wall? If so the load should have already been supposed on the existing framing.
The wall is original to the home. I had an LVL beam installed that spans 12 feet or so supported by triple studs on each end. A new window was cut into the existing wall underneath the LVL under the right 1/3rd span and approximately 24" from the end. They simply removed one stud from the existing wall to get a rough opening (window is 30" wide) and toe nailed three 2x4s laying flat above the window with cripple stud on top (between header and LVL). I believe they at least sistered up the king studs on either side. I'll have to check again when I get home, and will post a pic. Will be easier rather than trying to explain it.
 
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Old 01-24-18, 01:40 PM
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The LVL is what needs the trimmers... the flat 2x4s don't need anything, but toenailing them would help.
My understanding is that with the LVL supported on each end with triple studs, anything underneath the LVL is now non-load bearing. Is this correct? If so, then the studs surrounding the window are solely structural support for the window right?
 
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Old 01-24-18, 01:45 PM
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Yes that's what I'm saying.
 
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Old 01-24-18, 01:58 PM
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Here's a photo showing the wall.
 
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