Structural Header Needed?

[shea]

I'm going to install a basement egress window. The exterior wall is 12" CMU. We've decided to install it at a location where there is no existing masonry opening. The rough opening I plan to cut is 32"W x 54" L. I assume with a 32" wide opening that some sort of structural header will be required. Any help with the type of header needed and how to install it in an existing block wall would be much appreciated.

The opening will be basically at the top of the cmu foundation wall. A lumber sill plate is attached to the top of the wall. From there the house transitions to a wood framed structure with mostly brick exterior. It is a one story ranch style. At this particular location is the wall w/sill plate which the floor joists bear on (2X10's 16" OC), then on the exterior there is 16 courses of regular brick and then a 4" brick sill (the dimension from the top of the foundation wall to the top of the brick sill is approx 38"). Above the brick sill is wood siding to the roof and at this location there is a bedroom window right above the brick sill.

Thanks!

[toekneemac]

For the wood stud wall above the foundation, go with two 12 inch micro lams beams nailed together. They can sit on top of the sill. Cut the wall studs high enough to fit the beam under the studs. Cut them snug. Toe nail them to the beam. You may want to shore up the floor joists before you cut the studs.

For the brick, install a lintel.
http://www.k-and-w-mfg.com/firemagic/images/standard_lintel.gif

The lintel must extend beyond the new opening cut into the brick. You will have to remove some mortar on either side of the opening to support the ends of the lintel.
http://www.closerlookinspection.com/photo_album/lintel1a.jpg
The ends of the lintel will extend into the brick wall to support the lintel. In the picture, where the lintel meets the brick, the lintel actually extends further into the brick wall. You cannot see it in the photo, but it does go into the wall.

I am a carpenter, not an engineer. But this is how we do it.