Ok... I have a house that I am remodling and a main support beam between the main floor and upstairs was comprimised by the previous owner. ( WHAT AN IDIOT!) It is a beam that runs from the back of my house inward. About 3 feet inside the rear wall he removed 2x4's from under header and main beam and cut main beam aswell. This has now caused a major sag in beam. enough to actually bring in my rear wall a little. it looks concave from the outside.
I am confused what the jacks are called that will lift this beam again?
and... maybe someone knows an easy way to LIFT and resupport this beam.
For the beam, I was going to put 2x8' or 2x10's on either side and lag bolt it about 8 times once I had it straight and level. help me out please !!!
2007-06-21 10:22:28 · 6 answers · asked by drunkknucklehead 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
ether jack will work just wanted to say watch were you place the jacks you will be transferring the load to them.
2007-06-21 10:49:21 · answer #1 · answered by triminman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
House Support Beam
2016-10-20 07:22:44 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are hydraulic bottle jacks that will apply more force than the screw jack posts commonly used, but mounting them to apply force over this distance can be a problem. I think you would be better off to plan on 1/4" steel plates on either side (less bulk, more strength) and through bolts would be a good idea. If you use lags, be sure you drill pilot holes of exactly the right size for maximum strength. If you use wood plates, use glue also.
2007-06-21 10:39:46 · answer #3 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your home inspector deserves a smack upside the head on this one, and you may be owed a refund for whatever services you used before buying the house!
* ! YOUR HOUSE MAY NOT BE SAFE TO LIVE IN ! *
You need to call your local building inspector ASAP, and find a STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (and nothing else!) to certify repairs. Any repairs or modifications done without an engineer's stamp can be made to be removed before you sell the house. The upper floor(s) and roof are supported by this beam. It's not a cosmetic issue. Your foundation may need to be checked as well.
Please take this issue seriously. It truly could be a matter of life an death. Thousands of dollars, hours, and headaches may be involved, not to mention litigation if you sell this house and it is not resolved.
You should not be attempting this repair yourself, and should be considering suing the appraiser and previous owner.
Good luck.
2007-06-21 11:13:12 · answer #4 · answered by Kelly R 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if your lower floor is slab on grade, the lift jacks will work. if your lower floor is raised wood you are placing a point load on one floor joist or the subflooring. If you are raised floor, consider building a 4' wall perpendicular to the beam to distribute the load to multiple joists. You may need to construct two walls (one on each side of the center sag). You have not provided the beam dimensions, so I cannot analyze the loads, but you are thinking along sound lines. Consider using a Select Structural grade material (2x8 or 2x10's), through bolt using 5/8" diameter A-307 bolts.
2007-06-21 10:53:45 · answer #5 · answered by Paul C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Adjustable post jacks are available. set height and plant them on a solid base, then slowly crank them up over a period of time till things are back in place. Then add your wood and/or steel reinforcements, might want to use bolts instead of lags.
2007-06-21 10:30:21 · answer #6 · answered by RT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋