Header
A header in masonry and construction refers to the horizontal beam or support that goes above a door, window, or other opening in a wall. It's an essential structural element that carries the weight of the materials above the opening and transfers this weight to the sides. Think of it like a bridge that spans across an opening to keep everything above it from falling down. Headers can be made from different materials like wood, steel, or concrete, depending on the building's needs. When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it usually relates to someone's experience in installing, replacing, or working with these important structural supports.
Examples in Resumes
Installed Headers and support beams for residential window installations
Supervised proper placement of Header blocks in commercial construction projects
Performed maintenance and replacement of damaged Headers in renovation work
Typical job title: "Masonry Workers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Masonry Workers
Professional Associations
Job Boards
Training Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine the proper size and material for a header in a load-bearing wall?
Expected Answer: A senior mason should explain how they consider factors like the width of the opening, the weight being supported, local building codes, and material options (steel, concrete, wood). They should mention consulting structural plans and working with engineers when needed.
Q: What safety considerations do you take when replacing a damaged header?
Expected Answer: Should discuss temporary support installation, proper bracing techniques, team coordination, and ensuring structural stability throughout the replacement process.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the common issues you might encounter when installing headers?
Expected Answer: Should mention problems like insufficient support on the sides, incorrect sizing, leveling challenges, and how to address these issues during installation.
Q: How do you ensure proper water drainage above a window header?
Expected Answer: Should explain flashing installation, proper sealing techniques, and how to prevent water damage above windows and doors.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of a header in construction?
Expected Answer: Should understand that headers support the weight above openings and transfer the load to the sides, preventing structural failure.
Q: What basic tools are needed for header installation?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list essential tools like levels, measuring tape, shims, and basic safety equipment needed for installation work.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic header installation assistance
- Understanding of different header types
- Tool operation and maintenance
- Basic safety procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent header installation
- Reading construction blueprints
- Problem-solving common installation issues
- Proper sizing and material selection
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex installation supervision
- Project planning and team leadership
- Advanced structural problem-solving
- Quality control and inspection
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic safety procedures
- Unable to read construction plans
- Lack of experience with different header materials
- No understanding of load-bearing principles
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Cutting HR Costs Without Sacrificing Quality: A How-To for Savvy Executives
Beyond Spreadsheets: Why Executive Dashboards in ATS Systems Are Your Secret Hiring Weapon
Resume Optimizations that Candidates Do to Get Past AI Hiring Filters
