I am buying a condo, and the foor is supported by wooden I beams. The beams are slightly twisted. Is this a big deal? I can still back out of the deal, but I don't want to. What should I do?
2007-03-01 14:11:00 · 6 answers · asked by Some dude 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Have it inspected by a pro inspection service. Don't guess.
2007-03-01 14:22:26 · answer #1 · answered by rlbendele1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Twisted beams come from the beams not being cured enough before they were used. This is very common in homes built prior 1965, we now have a much better process called Kiln drying. There are only 2 things this might affect, 1 is the squareness of a wall, which you aren't dealing with. The other is when a beam begins to twist it will sometimes get shorter, so you need to check the end of it were it is nailed to the main beam, look for separation from it. If you see this it can be repaired 2 ways 1 replace them beam or 2 install joist hangers this will be your cheapest repair and is safe as long as the seperation isn't over a 1/2 inch.
woops didn't know they were exposed, you can use screw jacks and box them in if needed
2007-03-01 23:39:16 · answer #2 · answered by frosty62 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Slightly twited is no big deal, however, it does make one question the skills of the builder. Wooden I beams are very easy to set right, so ones that aren't were either done in a hurry or not braced when they were being sheathed (covered with plywood). If they are 1/2"-3/4" out of plumb, they are structurally sound. More than that and I would be concerned. I'd look real hard at the rest of the house for defects. Get a professional home inspection; it's well worth the money before you buy.
2007-03-01 14:23:32 · answer #3 · answered by normobrian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you have an inspector look at them to make sure they are structurally sound? I would say it is not a good thing to buy a condo where there is warping or twisting in your joists. It will cause your floor to have low spots and high spots by causing your subfloor to lift. It can cause your ceramic tile to crack. If you live in an area that is very dry, the joists could crack because of the twisting and then you will have structural damage and your homeowners insurance does not cover things like that. This is a big investment. If you don't buy that one, I am sure there are many others that are more structurally sound. Good luck.
2007-03-01 14:25:05 · answer #4 · answered by Theresa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since they are exposed you can put blocking in between them to straiten the twists, first nail a board across all of the joists start at one end and work towards the other pushing or pulling each joist till strait nail each joist *** you straiten it on I joists it should be 14" between (16 on center) once theyre all strait put in your blocking. If your not going to finish your basement then go ahead and just leave your 2x4 nailed across all the joists, other wise block in and remove the board.
2007-03-01 14:29:28 · answer #5 · answered by Aaron A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a liscensed house inspector and take him to the condo
and get his opinion. He should be able to fill U in on all the details.
2007-03-01 14:23:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋