The new main beam is going to need to be jacked up (49′ long) to level it with the joists sitting on the exterior walls. I’m also replacing a few termite damage joists. I will also be putting new subfloor down.
By the end of the weekend, I hope to have the bad joists replaced in the back half of the house. My general inclination is to then jack the main beam up level, then add blocking, then subfloor. Then move on to the front of the house. Although once the beam is jacked the damaged joists on the front of the house will probably be harder to get out.
What say you?
jt8
“May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.” — Irish Blessing
Replies
I'm not sure I understand the issue, but can you do all of the demo first, then set the beam, then do the replacement work? I would level the beam before connecting any new joists to it.
I'm not sure I understand the issue, but can you do all of the demo first, then set the beam, then do the replacement work? I would level the beam before connecting any new joists to it.
I was trying to do the back half of the house (replace bad joists and put down new subfloor), and then do the front half. The replacement 2x10x16's are coming from the garage through the kitchen, to the back of the house. If I yank up all the old subfloor, then I'm balancing on planks to get to the back of the house.
Part of the 'plan' is to create a back door. So once I get the subfloor down back there, I can cut a back door and then bring the replacement joists in via the back door for the front of the house (which since I no longer have to travel through the kitchen with lumber, I can then rip up that floor).
As I mentioned to Sphere, I very often develop a bad case of blinders when I'm working on this stuff. A lot of times a fresh outlook can really save time. Doesn't feel like I got much done during the last week, so I thought maybe I needed that fresh outlook.
Sounds like most responses say level the beam first.jt8
"May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you." -- Irish Blessing
I think I hear you right. I'd jack it up first,then R&R the bad joists..more better accuracy in the measuring?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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OK, I was too sleepy when I posted that... should have included some details. 32x49 1 story ranch. Main beam goes across the middle of the house. The floor joists consist of a row of 2x10x16's (@ 16") on either side of the main beam. One end of the joists sit on top of the sill, the other end on top of the beam.
I guess I was thinking that the joists would just float on top of the beam, so I was going ahead and replacing the bad ones. There isn't any measuring to them, just stick 16'ers in. On the sill end, I was popping a 16d3.5" through the bottom plate into the joist to hold it in place. After the beam was jacked up, I figured I'd go back and toenail the joists to the beam.
I've got a real bad habit of getting the blinders on when I'm working on something. A fresh pair of eyes can really save time, because often times I find I'm doing things the hard way.
Sounds like the general consensus is to jack the beam first. Guess I could use this as an excuse to get a PLS2e :)
jt8
"May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you." -- Irish Blessing
I agree with sphere. Level the beam first, then replace the bad joists.
Nothing will be easier before the beam is leveled.
Install the blocking as you install the joists if possible...
Lots easier (IMO)
Troy Sprout
Square, Level & Plumb Renovations