We are opening up our finished basement, 1 story home. We are removing a supporting wall and would like to replace it with a 6" I-beam with .465" web thickness with jack posts on either end. The span we want is 14 feet. Is this possible, or do we need an additional column and/or taller (8") I-beam?
2007-04-15 06:52:25 · 5 answers · asked by ontario ashley 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The answer is that you will have to get a professional opinion based on the local codes. You will also need a permit to perform structural changes. I would contact your local building department. They will be able to answer your question and recommend a structural engineer who can properly specify the beam column and footing configuration you require.
2007-04-15 07:04:34 · answer #1 · answered by frozen 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Once you know the load, look at the available engineered wood I beams. They are stiffer than steel. There would be less vibration under dynamic load ( like people walking around causing long term stress on plastered joints upstairs. I can think of one brand called Silent Floor that is regularly used in new home construction to span up to 24 feet. Space might be an issue because they are taller than steel for a given span. But you can easily drill through the web to pass cables and pipes, and it is as easy to attach dividing wall studs and headers using traditional woodworking technology. They are much easier to handle, being significantly lighter than steel.
2016-05-20 22:46:25 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Six inch sounds okay, the web thickness is very close to 1/2 inch, that is quite thick for only a 14 foot span. If you feel safer with 8" go for it. I am running 22 foot spans in my shop with only 1/8 inch web thickness. I pull engines in the center of it. What ever you feel safest with is what you want.
2007-04-15 07:58:18 · answer #3 · answered by Thomas S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Frozen's answer sounds correct. I know my daughter's house used the new engineered I-beams. You may want to look into those. They are totally straight, and support quite a bit of load. Ask your structural engineer about them.
2007-04-15 07:25:18 · answer #4 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im not a framer but i have been in alot of basments doing new floors and 6" for a 14' span seems way too small to me. try this site.
http://www.martindalecenter.com/Calculators4_6_Civ.html#CIV-BEAM-BEAM
2007-04-15 07:28:15 · answer #5 · answered by unofornaio 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋