I own a large two family, three story victorian and am looking at replacing the center beams and lolly columns. Besides hiring an engineer, where can I get specs. for footing sizes, lolly column sizes and center beam sizes? My existing center beam is a 10×10 and I have hot water heat pipes hanging near the 10×10. What I lack in height(clearance), can I increase in the width of a LVL center beam?
Replies
If you're buying LVL, the company that makes them will supply you with all the info you need. Either look them up online or have your supply house (lumber yard) that's selling you the product do it for you. It's what they're there for.
You can get span charts for the LVL's from lumber yards. They should be able to size the beams and possibly even columns. You will need to give them the specifics of what this beam is carrying by way of floor joists, walls, etc..
I am a Professional Engineer, so I can help with some of the design. But I would have to see some plan, sketch of the existing conditions to size things properly.
Where are you located?
you're remodeling.
The lumber yard ain't gonna come take a look-see.
Hire an engineer that'll do an on-site inspection first.
That way ... better chance nothing is overlooked ... plus ... there's lotsa "beams" that'll hold the load ... the trick is finding the solution that works best with the given space. One big steel beam is usually the easiest to install during initial construction ...
and is also usually the most difficult to install when remodeling a finished space.
an onsite visit will help the engineer decide what's gonna be the easiest to thread thru the window to get it into the house.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Jeff, Thanks for the response. It sounds like good advise. Besides, I'll have to submitt info. to the town building inspector for approval(who is just down the street).