All
Been a lurker for some time and enjoy reading the posts. I have a ‘what if” sort of question. I am considering purchasing a home built in 1983. In the house is a main beam that runs the length of the house. Not a big deal where it is within a wall, however in two rooms the beam actually can be seen and is app. 10″-12″ below the finished ceiling. Looks kinds weird just being there. I would almost say its a mistake somehow but I am not sure on this. It consists of 2×4’s laminated/glued together – probably an original microlam beam option? My question: Is it possible to replace the exposed sections of the beam with steel/other microlam option that is smaller – or is that just asking for trouble? I am guesssing probably not and that I will have to live with it. Just curious as I envision myself hitting my head on a few occasions. Any thoughts to disguise?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts
Replies
If the joists above run perpendicular to it and land on it therefore carrying the second floor you'll have to leave it. There are things you could do with steel but it would involve demo, temp walls, wallboard & plaster etc. only to gain several inches of head room. Your call. good luck.
There is no telling by not inspecting your home, but anything can be done for $$$$. What is the distance from the bottom of this beam to the floor? You may just have to live with it. Contact a PE and have him/her evaluate it.
"Don't take life too seriously, you are not getting out of it alive"
I agree with Gary. ANYTHING can ve done if you've got the bucks, but I'd have to have about a hundred photos and dimensions before I could even begin to render a preliminary opinion. You need an engineer on site to evaluate this situation.
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