Twisting Beam

The basement beam running the 40′ length of my townhouse is twisting. I had two different inspectors look at it. One said it should be replaced with steel, and the other with wood. Other people have said it might not be a big enough deal to worry about, but they don’t have to sleep here. So we’re going to get it dealt with. Does anyone know how much this will cost, either for wood or steel? Better yet, if they’re able to sister the beam or repair it somehow, how much would that be? I’d love recs or solicitations from licensed pros as well. The ones I find online either don’t pick up their phone or don’t keep their appointments for appraisals.

DouglasAlan

in About Brooklyn 10 years and 11 months ago

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DouglasAlan | 10 years and 11 months ago

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Actually, I was told that the beam was cut to allow for a new lally column. That is, it was twisting, and the guy who “fixed” it simply put a support under a twisting beam and cut out a spot to make up for the fact that the beam wasn’t level.

daveinbedstuy | 10 years and 11 months ago

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“the beam has crushed itself onto the support posts with an indention of a good inch.” Not understanding how that can happen unless it is rotted from water or termites, in which case yes, it should be replaced. Still, if everything is structurally sound, the posts supporting the beam and the beam supporting all the joists or at least shimmed to do so, and the floors are level, the twist shouldn’t matter.

DouglasAlan | 10 years and 11 months ago

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Upon closer inspection, I’m realizing on the back 10 feet or so is twisting, and all of the joists make contact with the beam. And, the amateur plaster job where the beam joins the wall hasn’t cracked in the three years since the initial inspection, so I’m taking that to mean the beam isn’t continuing to twist. However, the beam has crushed itself onto the support posts with an indention of a good inch. Does this help with the diagnosis and recommendations? Thanks.

arch007 | 10 years and 11 months ago

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There is a possibility a steel plate could be bolted on either side. The strength that would add would be huge. I have seen that to reinforce basement girders when adding more stories, it was not for a twisting situation. A complete replacement with LVL lumber would be another idea but more costly as temporary walls would need to be erected on either side of the beam and perhaps on more than one floor level. You would like LVL because it does not twist. I don’t think a steel beam is necessary, we only use steel for large open spans that can not be handled by LVL’s. We just installed a 30′ steel beam for a 4,000 SF house up here. If you want me to look at it, call Dave..914-693-1159 http://westchester-architects.com

steam_man | 10 years and 11 months ago

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Torsion is caused by unbalanced opposing forces acting on the structural member. Replacing the wood beam with steel may solve the issue through brute strength (if the beam is heavy enough). I suggest you have a competent structural engineer assess what is going on and then select the right framing member for you, which will undoubtedly be steel. As for placing a second beam alongside…forget that. It won’t work. Look for joists that are missing along the length of the beam. Perhaps they were cut away to relocate a staircase?

daveinbedstuy | 10 years and 11 months ago

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As long as it is supporting the joists and isn’t compromised because of rot, termites, etc, i would not replace it. If it has pulled away from some of the joists or even the posts supporting it, they can be shimmed easily enough

lmtuzyjcftvgonr | 10 years and 11 months ago

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Douglas, I am an architectural designer with a design+build firm. We have a diverse team of professionals, to deliver projects of any size. As for your request, I do have a licensed PE on board, and would gladly set up an appointment to meet. You may contact me directly via email at mosfigulaktar@gmail.com Mosfigul Aktar, Assoc. AIA Architectural Designer Construction Manager Ph: 917-495-6775 Em: MosfigulAktar@gmail.com Web: www.aktargroup.com