Performed a search and did not find what I was looking for. I bought a older home and want to replace a couple posts that are splitting and a couple joists. My question is would it be better to cut out the splitting post, check for the proper size footing and replace with another wood post or a metal lally column. The house was built in 1931, I should probably check in to building codes? Any advice would be great. Thank you.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Listeners write in about insulating an attic roof in a balloon-framed house, sizing a new heat-pump system, attaching extension jambs to a window or exterior door, and more.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Porch post?
cellar center support under beam?
Other?
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
You forgot mailbox post.
Happens when you post haste.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
I didn't forget it, just assumed it was something to do with the house.I really did consider adding it.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Piffin asked some good questions that need to be answered for anyone to give you useful advice. Not knowing what these posts are supporting, I might add that you should make sure you have something holding things up before you cut any posts out. There are many ways to temporarily support things while you remove and replace the post(s) and if you give us some more info, we can tell you about that too!
Sorry for the omission of important info, the posts are supporting the center support beam for the main floor. The house is a bungalow style w/an attic converted into living space. I plan on using some 4"x6" timbers and some weight dispersal w/timbers on the concrete floor so that I don't puncture the floor. I am using bottle jacks w/adjustable lally columns and large gauge metal plates to do the raising. As for the joists, I have a couple joists that were cut into by some incompetent HVAC guy when the house was converted to forced air. As luck would have it, one butchered joist runs under a non load-bearing wall. I want to nip it in the bud and add some lvl joists to add strength.
Edited 5/26/2008 7:16 pm by Breck724
Frankly I'd go with metal. It's hard to find decent wood in many areas, it's subject to shrinkage over time, and the bottom end will slowly rot no matter how well you protect it. A metal post will be smaller and more dimensionally stable.You do need a proper footing, though. Probably best to bite the bullet and cut through the floor.
What is wanted is not the will to believe, but the will to find out, which is the exact opposite. --Bertrand Russell
I often just replace with wood if it is strictly repair, but you have an upgrade situation, given that load was added in the attic level.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!