I am in the process of trying to come up with a plan to replace a termite damaged load bearing beam on my house built in 1925 ( just fumigated) joists sit on beam and existing wall would stay in place
structual engineer said I could use same size beam 2 by 4…. or I could go with 4 By 6 Douglas fur ?
After I thought about it, I would like to put solar panels in a few years, so I going with a larger beam would be a better choice
beam is 3 pieces with a total span of 35 feet, should I install two pieces with a total span of 35 feet or
The foundation is a post and pier and I live in the bay area
any input would be appreciated
Thank you
Replies
Maybe you can provide a sketch of your situation. After 40 years of civil engineering experience, I have never heard of a 2" x 4 " beam. I have heard and used 4" x 6" beams that have supported joists.
I can't picture a 2" x 4" beam supporting joists.
I suggest you pay your structural engineer to draw up what should be used for construction. It will be of value for at least two reasons:
1) telling a contractor exactly what you wish to have built and 2) submittal drawing when you get a building permit.
A 35’ span is huge. There is no way a 2”x4” or even 4”x6” can handle this span, even with no load on it, it would still sag tremendously because of the length.
Please upload pics or sketch.
Has to be 35' LENGTH beam or it is supporting a total span of 35' (17.5 on each side)
I read it as: Original is 3 spans for a total of 35'; Second option is 2 spans for a total of 35'. Loads on the walls do not change much but the loads on the posts in the middle (and their footings) change a lot!
Neither option can be spanned by 2x4 or 4x6 so TMK2 has given the best advice: get a structural engineer involved and get it drawn for the contractor (not framer) to follow.
Your home insurance company will remain liable only when its constructed right. Anything else will give them wiggle room to get out of paying.
I will post pictures tomorrow
Thank you
Good information
Attached pictures
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Light receptacle as a reference to damaged beam 2 by 4
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That's not a beam. It's just a top plate for your knee wall. The studs under each rather are providing the support. You can replace it with another piece of 2" X 4" although it may be thicker than today's 1 5/8" dimension. If it was me and termites were no longer present I'd nail a 2 X 6" alongside it fastened to each stud and toenailed to the rafters. No need to remove it at all.