What is a Door Header?

A door header is a support which is built in above a door, and it may be known simply as a “header.” Windows also have headers. Classically, a door header is about twice as thick as the surrounding framing, and it is supported by the king studs, another integral component of door and window framing. Headers are important for structural integrity, and they are required by law in many regional building codes. The term “header” is also used to describe ornamental molding positioned over the top of a door. When doors and windows are framed, extra reinforcement is required. There are two reasons for this. The first is that doors and windows are points of structural weakness, because studs must be omitted or moved to accommodate the opening. The second is that doors and windows place strain upon a structure as they are used. Doors in particular are weak points, as the opening and shutting of a door puts strain on the surrounding framing. Many building codes have specific regulations about ho ... more