I want to increase the span of my main beam in the basement from 9′ to 11′. Currently, the metal post supports the beam directly in the middle of the basement and I just want to move it 2 feet. The main beam is 4 laminated 2x10s, sitting on a poured concreat foundation at either end.
Any suggestions?
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Replies
Tons of variables there! Any joints fall over the post now? Can you add a 4' long spreader beam on top of the (shortened) post?
Forrest - actually an engineer
Well, the floor probably won't collapse, but you will have more bounce. And if you have ceramic tile on the floor, the grout may pop loose and some tiles might crack. Can you add a second post of the other side to reduce the span?
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
9' is already a pretty long span for a main girder.
What is the size of the floor it's supporting? Is there a center bearing wall on top of that? Is that wall supporting another floor, another wall, a ceiling?
Can you replace the lally column with a PT wooden post with knee braces 2' down? That would at least transfer the original support point to the new post.
Solar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes
I thought it may be undoable, but I wasn't sure. I believe it supprts the whole centre of the house (two stories), so I won't mess around with it without getting an engineer in to look at it first. Thanks for the feedback though.