TimberStrand Insulated Headers - How To

In this video my carpenter and I are discussing the differences between standard headers and Timberstrand headers. We'll also show you how we achieve an R-10 insulated header with 2x6 walls. Matt Risinger Principle of Risinger Homes in Austin, TX

[buildshow]

Thanks so much. They are fun to shoot, and I love to hear that they are fun/helpful. Appreciate the support. Matt

[buildshow]

Thanks Ray! Yes, Bill is an amazing carpenter. Hard to image he had any other choice with a last name of Wood! Best, Matt

[buildshow]

Thanks for your comments, but I'm not sure I agree that it'll weaken that area of the window. I could see your concern for a sheetrock returned window, but I don't believe this will cause SR problems. You could reduce the detail to a 1/2" foam then a 2x nailer on top of that if you were concerned. Trim under the windows would generally be nailed into studs. I've not seen the double sill you're proposing. Thanks for commenting. Matt

[buildshow]

Correct. We will use Tyvek Drainwrap, then 3/4" rigid foam (R-Max) with a foil face then rain screen battens. The siding is a mixture of tropical hardwoods, and James Hardie lap siding. Stay tuned for a video on that... Matt

[buildshow]

Thanks! Yes, I'm finally stepping it up with a remote mic and I bought Final Cut Pro X to do some light editing. Hope to upgrade my Kodak Zi8 to a Canon one day. Sorry, no plans to move to LA anytime soon. Austin is beautiful you know, maybe it's time to move to TX? Best, Matt

[cmm]

Mr. Risinger. I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the amazing videos that you have posted. It is greatly appreciated, and I greatly enjoy them. Keep up the great work!

[jumperjackflash]

You used a microphone! Yea! Love your videos. We need you here in Los Angeles.

[kendog]

At the 3:00 mark, in the background in a corner, is black, either piping or taping/wrapping. What is that, and if it is tape/wrap, could you do a video on framing the corners with that? Thanks, I really enjoy the videos and keep up the great work.

[barbaraleon]

hello,  are there insulated headers out there for long span openings such as a 10' sliding glass door, or up to a 20' wide sliding glass door? It seems that Timberstrand headers are only for short span headers. thanks,

[Burrowaree]

Great work guys, thanks for posting, I always wondered how headers could be best insulated. Bills surname is appropriate = born to build :)

[Tman]

Did you ever post the video on exterior rigid foam? I'm getting ready to frame an addition and would like to see your video on it. Especially when it comes to sizing windows and doors and their frames due to this additional thickness. And the type of wrap you use behind them, etc.
Great videos!

[BobW]

Matt - so you are going to use house wrap on sheathing and then 3/4" foam then furring strips ??

[forgotmylogininfo]

Just curious. What if the lady of the house wants to put up some really heavy curtains or some other decorations? Do the homeowners use longer screws to bite into the header or just make sure mounting points are in the studs only?

[wowcolors]

I would love to see an in-depth video of how you do rigid foam on the exterior of the house.

[buildshow]

@cmm170526: Thanks for getting my back. Matt

[buildshow]

Excellent idea, I'll work on that. The house were we shot this video is in framing, so we'll be working on the rigid foam shortly. Subscribe to my channel and you'll see that in about a month. Best, Matt

[davidfeldman]

Matt, When you put on the OSB over the foam for the header, how do you attach the OSB? 3" nails?

[mrdesignstx]

Matt, I've seen a lot of your videos and they're pretty amazing, I've done construction in Los Angeles, CA and in San Antonio, TX. I really don't like the idea if insulating the headers the way you're proposing and it make that one area weak for interior nailing (drywall, corner beads, window trim, etc.). I think you're doing it to save money rather than insulation purposes. Also, why use only one window sill. It leaves no space for nailing siding and trim under window.

[jvalal]

How do you handle the OSB layer that's now 1/4" outside the 2x6 structure? You have a discrepancy in layers.

[cmm]

Mrdesignstx: I will try and keep this both brief and courteous. The headers are designed and installed to decrease THERMAL BRIDGING. It is part of an overall strategy that employs OVE (optimum value engineering). Your username would suggest that you are somehow involved in the trades, however, this concept is foreign to you? Double Sills: Either a regional or generational framing quirk. Matt's work is neither cheap nor inferior, any insinuation to the contrary is inaccurate.