*
In my basement I recently uncovered the results of the previous owners overzealous attempt at updating the kitchen. After pulling down some of the plaster ceiling, I found that they drilled multiple 3/4″ holes near the bottom of one 2×8 floor joist. Through these various holes they passed 5 wires (14-2 romex) and one large one for the stove. In two other holes they passed two 1/2″ water lines. All these holes amount to about a 3″ diameter area hacked out of the bottom third of this joist. These holes lie about 18inches from the main beam; the joist spans 12 feet. The water lines are not in the same holes as the electrical lines. My main concern is the damage to the joist, and the fact that the lower third is wrecked (although the bottom of the joist was not cut, there is about 1/4″ of wood left!). I am doing some electric myself, that will be inspected. I anticipate a problem when the inspector looks at this hacked joist. I would like to repair it, some how, beforehand. Any ideas on how to beef up this joist? I’m not sure I can work a new joist into this area, so can I somehow repair this old one?
Thanks for the help. –TJM.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
In my basement I recently uncovered the results of the previous owners overzealous attempt at updating the kitchen. After pulling down some of the plaster ceiling, I found that they drilled multiple 3/4" holes near the bottom of one 2x8 floor joist. Through these various holes they passed 5 wires (14-2 romex) and one large one for the stove. In two other holes they passed two 1/2" water lines. All these holes amount to about a 3" diameter area hacked out of the bottom third of this joist. These holes lie about 18inches from the main beam; the joist spans 12 feet. The water lines are not in the same holes as the electrical lines. My main concern is the damage to the joist, and the fact that the lower third is wrecked (although the bottom of the joist was not cut, there is about 1/4" of wood left!). I am doing some electric myself, that will be inspected. I anticipate a problem when the inspector looks at this hacked joist. I would like to repair it, some how, beforehand. Any ideas on how to beef up this joist? I'm not sure I can work a new joist into this area, so can I somehow repair this old one?
Thanks for the help. --TJM.