Beam Damage in Basement
I have recently discovered that due to previous termite activity (not recent) a supporting beam in the basement is rotted and a temporary floor to ceiling beam which was set up a few years ago to secure things is looking rather wobbly. The damaged beam is one that goes into the side of the basement…
I have recently discovered that due to previous termite activity (not recent) a supporting beam in the basement is rotted and a temporary floor to ceiling beam which was set up a few years ago to secure things is looking rather wobbly. The damaged beam is one that goes into the side of the basement and is not reaching the side. Is it necessary to go through the structural engineer route or is a trustworthy contractor just as good? Any recommendations for either? Anyone with experience in this area or with a similar problem? Thank you.
Contact me at invasian07@yahoo.com, I know just the right person to recommend you. I had the same problem when I purchase my Brownstone in Bed Stuy. A license and insured contractor can generally take care of this problem.
Hey, there are days I’d be lucky to manage “vertical beam,” much less “column”!!
Thank you, everyone. You have given me different options to think about. I will e mail those of you who gave their e mails. I do not know how to contact the others who suggested I contact them. Is there a way to contact each other directly through this web site?
You don’t need a contractor or engineer, just sister the beams on each side and leave it alone.
It’s hard to visualize the conditions that you describe, would it be possible to post jpg’s?
Shoring in old houses always obeys the laws of physics, but is not rocket science.
An experienced contractor can replace damaged materials, but changes require permitting.
We have done a lot of this work, you can email me at gc at jerseydata.net and I will try to advise you.
Bruce
Minard, we didn’t put in a steel beam, but others have recommended one. Interested to hear the drawbacks.
Brooklynexpediter knows what he is talking about.
An engineer will just look at a manufacturer’s chart.
When building a house, I look at the same charts and make my selections for framing design. Since I’m a former dam and bridge builder, I tend to go overboard on structure. Cheap insurance.
I only bring an engineer in to provide extra calculations when absolutely necessary.
You can look at charts yourself here:
http://www.gp.com/build/product.aspx?pid=1392
Click on the engineered lumber guide.
There’s also a thread further down about termites.
Contact me, I know a good engineer who also specifies shoring to do the replacement.