Support Beam in Cellar
Hello, we are looking to reinforce the support beam in our cellar and are looking for advice. At first we wanted to replace the wood beam with steel so we can get rid of all the extra supporting poles and clear some space, but a few have recommended to leave the wood beam there and…
Hello, we are looking to reinforce the support beam in our cellar and are looking for advice. At first we wanted to replace the wood beam with steel so we can get rid of all the extra supporting poles and clear some space, but a few have recommended to leave the wood beam there and reinforce rather than replace. Is that the consensus?
Also, our exterior contractor who is redoing our stoop and laying new concrete in our cellar suggested that he could make the foundation holes for the new support poles and we could use our iron worker to do the steel beam. The iron guy seemed a bit wary of the electrical and plumbing pipes in the way, but then said he could do it for $3200. We weren’t thrilled with his lack of confidence. Do we need a structural engineer to take a look at this? And do we need permits if we are only reinforcing?
If anyone has done this and can share their knowledge, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks!
@rowhouse – thank you for your comment. Can you recommend the person who did your work?
@brucef – Wow, thanks very much for your input. I will definitely call Anthony.
For both of you – can you take a guess at a ballpark cost?
I recommend you talk to Anthony at A&J Iron Works. (718) 237-2642
Part of the job is opening a window or hole in front yard, depending on grade. You do want one length of I-beam, but the manuevering is the problem.
Normally we have temporarily shored the new beam, then “hung/welded” the cement filled lolly columns into the excavated 12″ or 18″ tubes. Normal depth is 36″ below slab grade. Then the sonotubes are filled with cement.
Afterwards we can shim with steel plates if we need to raise different floor joists. You will still want support columns, as the calculation on the sizing of the I-beam would get too big to make a clear span.
You can tell Anthony that Bruce from Kane recommended him.
My center support beam was undermined by cracking and termites so I opted for a steel replacement. I don’t regret that decision at all. As you said, it got rid of one intrusive column support and allowed me to move the other two back inside walls. It also got rid of the floor bounce upstairs (although that was probably due mostly to the undermined wood beam).
Get a structural engineer and get a permit if you do not have one already. This is a recipe for a failed beam and colapsed house.
Not only does a Structural Engineer need to look at this… he/she also needs to file this with the DOB.
I’m a little worried also about the work you are doing in your home now. It may need to be filed also. “laying concrete in cellar”… like a floor slab?
Julia,
I have not done this but I am in the process of getting quotes to completely replace the slab and beams in my basement/cellar.
From my discussions, your engineer/architect should opine on the structural aspects.
I would love to know who you are using and if you recommend them.
Thanks and good luck