Temporary support during wall opening

jbaker1516

I am in the middle of a remodel of a typical early-60's ranch house. I have raised the ceiling joists from 8 to 10-feet, and now am ready to put a 13-foot opening in the center wall that divides the front & back halves of the house. I will be putting up a double 2x12 header and am looking for suggestions on temporarily supporting the upper portion of the wall (the part I added to raise to 10-feet) while I am putting the header in place. The section of the wall where the opening is going is non-load bearing, but I'd rather be safe than sorry and since I am planning to put the header immediately below the old top plate, the slightest sag during installation would add to the challenge. In the picture, the paint-spots on the old, to be removed, studs indicates the new opening. Thanks

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Termite

I don't think you need to do much of anything to support the wall since it has no loads on it besides gravity.

If you still want to support it just to be safe, here's what I'd do...

It appears that the header is downset, with a short kneewall right above it. You could screw some 7/16" OSB to that kneewall and the top plate(s), which would stiffen it considerably and prevent it from sagging during installation of the header. The OSB could be removed after the header is installed.

Or...

You could go ahead and sheetrock one side of the wall. The wallboard will add plenty of stability.

jbaker1516

thekctermite, you were right-on with your advice. Thanks

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