The Ontario Building Code | Openings in Loadbearing Walls
9.23.12.2. openings="http://thehandyforce.com/windows/" title ="Window installer in Toronto">openings in Loadbearing walls
(1) openings="http://thehandyforce.com/windows/" title ="Window installer in Toronto">openings in loadbearing walls greater than the required stud spacing shall be framed with lintels designed to carry the superimposed loads to adjacent studs.
(2) Except as provided in Sentence 9.23.12.3.(2), where two or more members are used in lintels, they shall be fastened together with not less than 82 mm nails in a double row, with nails not more than 450 mm apart in each row.
(3) Lintel members may be separated by filler pieces.
In Plain Language
Openings in loadbearing walls must meet more demanding framing requirements set out in this article, since a header and supporting studs must safely redirect the load around the opening.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.