Bending 2x6 in load bearing wall
#1
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Bending 2x6 in load bearing wall
Hi,
I have recently inherited a house, and did a bit of inspection. One of the load bearing wall in basement has couple of bent 2x6, and couple of warped 2x6. I was wondering if the structure can be reinforced by adding new 2x6? How about adding steel columns?
I have added a picture of bent 2x6, there is a support column on right top of these 2x6 on the first floor.
Thank you
I have recently inherited a house, and did a bit of inspection. One of the load bearing wall in basement has couple of bent 2x6, and couple of warped 2x6. I was wondering if the structure can be reinforced by adding new 2x6? How about adding steel columns?
I have added a picture of bent 2x6, there is a support column on right top of these 2x6 on the first floor.
Thank you
#4
Can you sit on the floor and take a picture of the top of the wall.
I'd like to see a picture with 2 x 6 wall running left to right, and showing the floor joists running front to back. Basically want to see what is supporting floor joists above this wall and possibly the means of attachment.
I'd like to see a picture with 2 x 6 wall running left to right, and showing the floor joists running front to back. Basically want to see what is supporting floor joists above this wall and possibly the means of attachment.
#6
OK, those are better pictures.
These structural questions are always tough and an architect or engineer should be on site to see what's up. Others will review this also.
If you replace any vertical members, temporary support walls will need to be constructed on both sides of wall.
I would replace the 2x6's with 6x6's, at least in the obvious places that are directly under or near posts above. However, I would highly recommend you have this looked at by a professional in your area before doing anything.
The real question is why there is not a beam above this 2x6 wall, supporting floor joists and posts above.
What is above the posts on the 2nd floor? A roof/attic, or another floor?
These structural questions are always tough and an architect or engineer should be on site to see what's up. Others will review this also.
If you replace any vertical members, temporary support walls will need to be constructed on both sides of wall.
I would replace the 2x6's with 6x6's, at least in the obvious places that are directly under or near posts above. However, I would highly recommend you have this looked at by a professional in your area before doing anything.
The real question is why there is not a beam above this 2x6 wall, supporting floor joists and posts above.
What is above the posts on the 2nd floor? A roof/attic, or another floor?
#7
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Thank you Handyone, I am going to consult a professional. Can the wall be reinforced without removing any vertical member. Is it possible to attach 2x6 on both sides of each member glued and screwed together?
There is another floor on the 2nd floor and then roof/attic above. Is this bad?
There is another floor on the 2nd floor and then roof/attic above. Is this bad?
#8
Hold on for some input from others. This looks bad and I can't figure why this wall was built as a "normal" wall and not have tremendous load-bearing strength.
If you want to add some more 2x6's until you get this looked at, it wouldn't hurt. They don't need to be attached to bent members.
- Insert additional members where space is available
- Make them as tight as possible to sole plate and top plate, shim if needed
- Tap them into plumb with a hammer
- Toenail into the sole plate and top plate with 8d nails or use screws
If you want to add some more 2x6's until you get this looked at, it wouldn't hurt. They don't need to be attached to bent members.
- Insert additional members where space is available
- Make them as tight as possible to sole plate and top plate, shim if needed
- Tap them into plumb with a hammer
- Toenail into the sole plate and top plate with 8d nails or use screws
#9
I'm not a pro here but that looks like a house of cards ready to collapse. I see a wooden I beam laying flat with joists on it ? I see wall studs holding up nothing ?
This looks serious..... I would at least call a carpenter in to take a quick look..... like tomorrow.
Don't know one.... ask a friend. Everyone knows a carpenter.
This looks serious..... I would at least call a carpenter in to take a quick look..... like tomorrow.
Don't know one.... ask a friend. Everyone knows a carpenter.
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I am going to get professional advice, however its always good to know the options. What are the possible solutions? How about using heavy duty jackposts to reinforce this load bearing structure?
The house has gone through 2-3 inspections, last inspection was in 1997, and nothing has changed since then. For some reason this issue was never raised.
The house has gone through 2-3 inspections, last inspection was in 1997, and nothing has changed since then. For some reason this issue was never raised.
#11
looks like a house of cards ready to collapse
I have studied these pictures and for the life of me, cannot figure out why there are floor joists that appear to be about 9 - 11 feet long resting on a wall with no header.
#12
It's hard to offer advice based on pictures alone. You should have a large header under the floor joists to hold up the joists and for supports to placed to the floor. It's obvious that the single studs can't handle the weight.... and it doesn't look like they are even nailed at the top.
I doubt it's going to fall down tonight. Get some sleep and look to getting a pro in there if even just to offer an opinion.
I doubt it's going to fall down tonight. Get some sleep and look to getting a pro in there if even just to offer an opinion.