I am in the planning stages for my new shop and am considering using a pier and beam foundation. If the piers are 24″ above grade would I be able to use LVL’s for the beams.
Do I need to be concerned about moisture and rot or termites?
Would I need to be concerned about the LVL delaminating?
How about using I-joists for the floor framing. Will they degrade if not completely weather tight?
I was planning on using treated framing materials, however, I will probably be doing a lot of the work solo so I like that the engineered floor joists are lighter than treated.
Thanks
J.P.
Edited 8/24/2005 11:10 pm ET by JP
Replies
Anyone?
bump
I am considering a similar method for an addition.
Concerning the rot, termites or degrading joists I believe that if the ground below is prepped properly you will be fine. Perhaps a slab but probably gravel over a membrane with proper ventilation.
If lvl start delaminating I suspect a lot of people are in big trouble. I would not expect this in a post situation but I may be wrong, ask the dealer. If I can use 6 2x6's spiked together why not an lvl? You could always spray them with primer if that sets your mind at ease (I think I will).
Treated framing members have two problems from my standpoint-expense and instability. The expense is obvious, I use them where needed of course but for everything? They are also still wet from the treatment process and will pretzel as they dry, making flat floors and flat walls a false hope.
I don't know what the cost comparison of lvl versus timbers is, are lvl's cheaper than timbers?
Why do you need LVL beams?
2x10 or 2x12 beams are standard here. Piers usually 5-6 span...and you don't need 'treated' wood.
If it were easy....a caveman could do it.
The dimensions are 24' x 40'. I was planning on using a total of 16 piers evenly spaced, with 4 across the front four rows deep. That would gove me an 8' span across the width and about 13'4" on the length. I was going to run the beams across the 24' span width wise and use 2 x 12 for the 13' length wise sitting on top of the beams.Does this seem like adequate framing for a floor? The building is only one story. However my planer weighs 2000 lbs and has a footprint of 4' x 4'.I was thinking the LVL's would allow me to have a greater span between the piers.Should I plan on more piers?ThanksJ.P.a href=http://www.jpkfinefurniture.com target=_blankwww.jpkfinefurniture.com/a
If this is a wood working building, I would suggest a good engineer be called in.
I'm beginning to think that as well.a href=http://www.jpkfinefurniture.com target=_blankwww.jpkfinefurniture.com/a
So even if it is totally open underneath do you still need plastic and gravel? Or is it just a good idea for cheap insurance?J.P.a href=http://www.jpkfinefurniture.com target=_blankwww.jpkfinefurniture.com/a
There are others with more knowledge than I on this point but I would believe that building over bare soil will invite mold and other fungus issues plus vermin. Gravel over membrane (plastic or landscapers I'm not sure) will remove the habitiat for these pests. Plus you can slope the virgin soil prior to installing the barrier for drainage if it isn't advantagously sloped to begin with. I would, and am going to, consult with an engineer on this issue. I have found that the more detailed a draft you provide cuts on the consulting fees.
There is a natural slope to the site where I plan to build so that is good I suppose. I had considered plastic and gravel due to the fact that I will have pipes for my dust collection running under the building. I thought it may be a little cleaner to lie in gravel rather than dirt. I was not sure if the moisture in the soil however would be a problem for the framing. I was thinking that since there is plenty of ventilation the air flow would help keep things dry.As for vermin, I have a ground hog living under my shop now. He doesn't do me any harm so I see no need to harm him. I would be more wary of spiders where I live.Mold is another issue, however I thought the openess of a pier and beam structure woul help mitigate that.J.P.a href=http://www.jpkfinefurniture.com target=_blankwww.jpkfinefurniture.com/a