Trying to eliminate Jack Post
#1
10-23-07, 01:47 PM
Trying to eliminate Jack Post
In my basement I have a a beam 21 feet long, made of three 2 x 10's supported about 1/2 way with a jack post. I want to eliminate the jack post.
Can anyone tell me if and how I can put additional beaming under the original beam, either wood or steel to span the entire 21 feet without a support post in the middle ?
This is a standard rectangular brick ranch. This beam runs with the length, down the middle...it is a supporting wall above.
Can anyone tell me if and how I can put additional beaming under the original beam, either wood or steel to span the entire 21 feet without a support post in the middle ?
This is a standard rectangular brick ranch. This beam runs with the length, down the middle...it is a supporting wall above.
#2
10-24-07, 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by marygee1
In my basement I have a a beam 21 feet long, made of three 2 x 10's supported about 1/2 way with a jack post. I want to eliminate the jack post.
Can anyone tell me if and how I can put additional beaming under the original beam, either wood or steel to span the entire 21 feet without a support post in the middle ?
Can anyone tell me if and how I can put additional beaming under the original beam, either wood or steel to span the entire 21 feet without a support post in the middle ?
You might be able to add flitch plates on each of you existing girder with bolts without going underneath. I've done this before, but it all depends on what you're carrying above. 21' is a big span.
Going underneath can loose alot of headroom also. Taking out the original girder and replacing it might be your best solution if you don't have enough headroom and you have a tall beam specked out.
Either way you do this you still have to support the ends of the new beam/steel.
#3
10-24-07, 10:58 AM
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I agree with Joe, flitch plates should be considered first as that is the easiest fix IMO. But, that may be out of the question because typically with a lumber foundation beam, the floor joists hang directly into it. Whereas a steel beam would be sunk below the floor system, supported on each end by a beam pocket in the foundation. Again this is only an assumption.
If this is the case you may need to go underneath as Joe mentioned, or another alternative is concealing the post in a wall (assuming your finishing your basement).
If this is the case you may need to go underneath as Joe mentioned, or another alternative is concealing the post in a wall (assuming your finishing your basement).
