Main Support Beam Repair or Replace
Thread Starter
|
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,322
Likes: 20
From: Rhode Island
Main Support Beam Repair or Replace
This question is about a garage... but however its more of a construction question!!!
I have a two stall garage with a stait slanted back roof, My main beam in the garage is sagging in the middle. The beam is made up of a couple 2x6's or possible 2x10's .... im not totally sure I never measured them... The beams are longer than 10' but again I never measured... they beam is atleast two 10' sections and a couple 4'or so sectoins at opposite ends. the two sections are nailed to each other ...
I was looking for other options other than replacing the beam...
How about jacking up the the center of the sagging beam... and taking a piece of say 3/4" plywood and placing it on both sides of the beam... then drill some say... 1/2" or 3/4" holes through the plywood, the existing beams and the other piece of plywood. Then take a piece of threaded rod and pass it throught the hole, and washer and nut each side tight...
Any ideas... Im not a carpenter by any means.... but I was pondering this idea...
thanks for your help... if any....
I have a two stall garage with a stait slanted back roof, My main beam in the garage is sagging in the middle. The beam is made up of a couple 2x6's or possible 2x10's .... im not totally sure I never measured them... The beams are longer than 10' but again I never measured... they beam is atleast two 10' sections and a couple 4'or so sectoins at opposite ends. the two sections are nailed to each other ...
I was looking for other options other than replacing the beam...
How about jacking up the the center of the sagging beam... and taking a piece of say 3/4" plywood and placing it on both sides of the beam... then drill some say... 1/2" or 3/4" holes through the plywood, the existing beams and the other piece of plywood. Then take a piece of threaded rod and pass it throught the hole, and washer and nut each side tight...
Any ideas... Im not a carpenter by any means.... but I was pondering this idea...
thanks for your help... if any....
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Torque1st
Have a carpenter look at it. You could call a Structural Engineer but that costs $$$. You may have to get a permit to "repair" the structure.
It's impossible to say how to fix it without seeing it. If both sides are accessible as you implied, it may be repairable by adding plywood and additional 2x6/2x10 and nailing each layer, and then through bolting. But, if the ends are rotted, you may have no support where it's really needed. You really need to have a 'pro' look at it. It's very possible you have a dangerous (life threatening) situation here. I would want to know if the wood is rotting, was installed improperly, or if termites might be present. I suggest you not try to repair it without consulting a contractor, engineer, or architect, etc. At least get some expert advice (on site) before attempting a repair yourself.
In the meantime, you might want to put a jack or post under it to prevent it from getting worse, or even collapsing.
Thread Starter
|
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,322
Likes: 20
From: Rhode Island
the beam isnt sagging so bad that im worried the roof will collapse... but I know it hase at least a inch or two of drop in it...
I plan on consulting a contractor... but I was intrested in the groups input...
I know the beam is not rottten, or termite infested... Ive looked the beam over and poked and proded and found no damage outher than a sag....
I plan on consulting a contractor... but I was intrested in the groups input...
I know the beam is not rottten, or termite infested... Ive looked the beam over and poked and proded and found no damage outher than a sag....
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
With a 15 foot span, the weight the beam is supporting with shingles could be close to 2000 pounds. If it was me, I would jack it up and support it with multiple lolly columns. Then bolt a piece of high strength steel along the length and put steel support posts at each end that are lagged or sunk into the cement slab.
I would not try to jack it back into shape without a contractor doing it. If the beam snaps from the wood fibers breaking the whole structure could collapse including the walls. In which case I would think you would want to brace them with 2x4s nailed in three places to the interior studs and make sure the braces are nailed to each other in the middle of the garage.
I would not try to jack it back into shape without a contractor doing it. If the beam snaps from the wood fibers breaking the whole structure could collapse including the walls. In which case I would think you would want to brace them with 2x4s nailed in three places to the interior studs and make sure the braces are nailed to each other in the middle of the garage.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
OK, I'm guessing no more than about a 12 foot span.
An inch or so sag in this distance would not be a great concern to me. HOWEVER, most likely this built-up beam was constructed incorrectly (nailed wrong, lap joints, etc.).
If the beam is only supporting a roof load, and given the fact that the span is only 12 feet, look for a correction by a contractor to involve either jacking the beam up and adding (to both sides of the beam) additional continuous lumber -or- replacing the beam altogether.
An inch or so sag in this distance would not be a great concern to me. HOWEVER, most likely this built-up beam was constructed incorrectly (nailed wrong, lap joints, etc.).
If the beam is only supporting a roof load, and given the fact that the span is only 12 feet, look for a correction by a contractor to involve either jacking the beam up and adding (to both sides of the beam) additional continuous lumber -or- replacing the beam altogether.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Barrington USA
an inch or two of sag in a 12' beam is of great concern, I'm in school now for engineering and can tell u that the biggest sag where allowed to use is L/360 which for you means a sag no bigger that .4 inches, I'd get an structural engineer in there to look at what went wrong, it's hard to say without seeing the complete structure, it good be a design issue, a building issue, or even a material issue
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 3
From: River Valley AR
Either way I would definitely support the beam now. If the wood is in good shape then You may be able to laminate it and strengthen it with steel or lumber.
It's important to know why this one sagged in the first place though. An engineer is not a bad idea, but a veteran carpenter can be very effective in that kind of situation also.
It's important to know why this one sagged in the first place though. An engineer is not a bad idea, but a veteran carpenter can be very effective in that kind of situation also.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Shreveport, La.
dynamic,
Don't suppose you have a way to take and post a couple of pictures with overall dimensions.
As mentioned, anything near a 2 inch sag would be a major concern.
Probably caused by inferior roof decking, or moisture over time has gotten to it. Could be bad or undersized wood in first place I guess.
Best repair has already been suggested, jack it up, put steel plate on both sides, bolt in place.
I'd get this done sooner than later.
Don't suppose you have a way to take and post a couple of pictures with overall dimensions.
As mentioned, anything near a 2 inch sag would be a major concern.
Probably caused by inferior roof decking, or moisture over time has gotten to it. Could be bad or undersized wood in first place I guess.
Best repair has already been suggested, jack it up, put steel plate on both sides, bolt in place.
I'd get this done sooner than later.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
websthes
General NON-Automotive Conversation
42
Oct 28, 2009 12:06 PM
fred_79f250
General NON-Automotive Conversation
32
Jan 13, 2008 01:29 PM
mantta
General NON-Automotive Conversation
7
May 16, 2006 11:59 AM
CowboyBilly9Mile
General NON-Automotive Conversation
7
Oct 25, 2005 12:29 PM
