Red Seal Carpenter Practice Exam 2025 - Free Carpenter Practice Questions and Study Guide

A header primarily supports doors and windows in a construction framework. It is a crucial structural component placed above openings, such as doors and windows, to transfer the load from the structure above down to the vertical supports on either side of the opening. This is essential to maintain the integrity and stability of the framing system, ensuring that the weight of the walls and roofing is properly distributed and does not compromise the opening itself.

The design of headers takes into account the load they must support, which can include vertical loads from above as well as lateral forces. This is why they are typically built using strong materials, such as lumber or engineered wood products, and are sized appropriately according to building codes and the specific load requirements of the structure. Headers are an integral part of framing that enables the safe installation of doors and windows without jeopardizing the overall strength of the building.