Do I need to use cripple studs if header is tight to the top plate?

Question

So I am placing a 13ft LVL Header beam, in a load bearing wall, to place a Patio Door.

I am using a 3-1/2 by 11-7/8 Versa-Lam LVL beam, as recommended by my Engineer.

I am planning to place the top of the beam tight to the bottom of the plate above, leaving no room for a Cripple stud.

Is this not acceptable? Or do I have to have Cripple Studs between the beam and the top plate?

Thank you.

Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. Your "engineer" certainly has more info than us; follow his/her instructions. — Daniel Griscom, Feb 14, 2019 at 3:15
Will you have to frame in under the beam to get patio door rough opening to correct height? — Kris, Feb 14, 2019 at 3:25
@kris, Yes, i have to place one 2 by 4 under the beam to do the rough opening. — alemiss, Feb 14, 2019 at 3:33
@DanielGriscom Thank you. The engineer actually didn't specify these details. He gave me a stamped diagram, showing what size beam to use. — alemiss, Feb 14, 2019 at 3:35
Then there is no room for any crippling I assumed you have double jack studs supporting the beam? The 2x4 goes on the bottom of beam and rests on the jacks — Kris, Feb 14, 2019 at 3:38

Kris · Accepted Answer · 2019-02-14 03:53:48Z

5

No crippling required in cases where there is no room for them

answered Feb 14, 2019 at 3:53

Kris

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Are nails/screws needed to connect the top plate to the header?
– LShaver
Dec 4, 2019 at 18:02
@LShaver when framing a wall like this pictured the top of the beam would be attached to the stud wall top 2x6 After walls are stood up and braced off the top plate is installed nailed into top of wall. A retrofit beam would also need to be attached to the top of the wall. Various methods could be used depending on accessibility to the top of the top plate. Toe nailing up into the stud wall can work or use screws same way. Or very long screws down from top of top plate. Or use some Simpson structural hardware to connect the beam to top of wall
– Kris
Dec 4, 2019 at 19:22

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