How to Find a Header Board in a House
Finding the location of a header board above a window or door can be essential in home repair projects. The header is the double thickness of lumber installed as a reinforced beam above doors, windows, and other openings to more evenly distribute the weight of the structure above the opening. Finding the header board may seem like a no-brainer, but unfortunately not every opening that requires a header has one and they are not always uniform in size. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Using a Probe
-
1
Use a scratch awl or an icepick with a hammer to probe the area where you believe the header to be. Place the tip of the awl against the drywall and tap the hammer against the butt of the handle.
-
2
Tap gently to avoid unnecessary damage to the drywall. In sections where there is no underlying support (framing) the awl should pass unimpeded into the empty space behind the drywall. Anywhere that the awl stops, there is framing behind the drywall.
-
-
3
Probe in several places where the edge of the header should be to determine the height and width of the piece behind. Mark the outline on the drywall with light pencil. Use painter's caulk to fill probe holes. Smooth the caulk over with a dampened finger and allow to dry before touching up the paint.
Using a Stud Finder
-
4
Use an electronic stud finder to locate framing. Stud finders vary in operation. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for specifics. Typically stud finders are a little larger than a deck of cards with a button on both sides. The underside is where the sensors are located. Lights on the top side and a signal beep indicate the presence of thicker material underneath the drywall.
-
5
Press the buttons and run the stud finder along the wall. When the edge of a framing member (stud or header) is passed over, the locator will indicate it with lights and sound. Some stud finders have several lights, each indicating a thicker level of framing. Mark the edge of the header where the stud finder indicates it to be.
-
6
Pass the stud finder around the edge of the area where the header should be. The stud finder will have no lights or sound when passing over an empty space, but will light up at the edge of any framing. Mark the outline in pencil. Locating the surrounding studs may be helpful if you are planning to attach to the wall.
-
1
