Raising Floor With Additional Beam Installation – Building Repairs
How to Repair a Crawl Space Girder Beam by Installing a Beam on One Side or Both Sides
Crawl space girder beams are an important structural component of your home. They help to support the floor joists, which in turn support the flooring. Over time, girder beams can become damaged or weakened. If this happens, it is important to have them repaired or replaced.
In many cases, it is possible to repair a girder beam without having to remove and replace it. One option is to install a new beam on one side or both sides of the damaged beam. This can be done by either sistering the new beam to the old beam or by installing a new beam that spans the entire length of the crawl space.
If the damaged girder beam is located in the center of the crawl space, it may not be possible to install a new beam on both sides. In this case, you may be able to cantilever the joists off of one of the beams. This will allow you to have more room on each side of the crawl space.
Benefits of Installing a New Beam
There are several benefits to installing a new beam to repair a girder beam. First, it is often less expensive than replacing the beam. Second, it is less disruptive to your home. Third, it can help to improve the structural integrity of your home.
How to Install a New Beam
The process of installing a new beam to repair a girder beam will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your home. However, there are some general steps that you can follow:
Determine the size and type of beam that you need. The size and type of beam that you need will depend on the span of the crawl space and the load that the beam will need to support.
Cut the new beam to size. Once you have determined the size of the beam that you need, you will need to cut it to size.
Install the new beam. To install the new beam, you will need to sister it to the old beam or install it as a freestanding beam.
Secure the new beam in place. Once the new beam is in place, you will need to secure it to the floor joists and other structural members.
Inspect the new beam. Once the new beam is installed and secured, you will need to inspect it to make sure that it is level and properly supported.
Additional Tips
If you are not comfortable doing this work yourself, it is important to hire a qualified contractor to install the new beam.
Before you begin any work, be sure to obtain the necessary permits from your local building department.
When installing a new beam, it is important to make sure that it is level and properly supported. If the beam is not level, it can cause structural problems.
It is also important to make sure that the new beam is properly secured to the floor joists and other structural members. If the beam is not secured properly, it could collapse.
Conclusion
Installing a new beam to repair a girder beam is a relatively simple project that can be done by most homeowners. However, if you are not comfortable doing the work yourself, it is important to hire a qualified contractor. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively repair your girder beam.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your crawl space girder beam, please consult with a qualified contractor.
