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Replacing termite damaged beam

user-7509431 | Posted in General Discussion on December 29, 2019 10:23pm

I am in the process of trying to come up with a plan to replace a termite damaged load bearing beam on my house built in 1925 ( just fumigated) joists sit on beam and existing wall would stay in place 
structual engineer said I could use same size beam 2 by 4…. or I could go with 4 By 6 Douglas fur ?

After I thought about it, I would like to put solar panels in a few years, so I going with a larger beam would be a better choice 
beam is 3 pieces with a total span of 35 feet, should I install two pieces with a total span of 35 feet or 
The foundation is a post and pier and I live in the bay area 
any input would be appreciated 
Thank you 

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Replies

  1. TMK2 | Dec 30, 2019 12:57am | #1

    Maybe you can provide a sketch of your situation. After 40 years of civil engineering experience, I have never heard of a 2" x 4 " beam. I have heard and used 4" x 6" beams that have supported joists.

    I can't picture a 2" x 4" beam supporting joists.

    I suggest you pay your structural engineer to draw up what should be used for construction. It will be of value for at least two reasons:
    1) telling a contractor exactly what you wish to have built and 2) submittal drawing when you get a building permit.

  2. jpljim | Dec 30, 2019 07:01am | #2

    A 35’ span is huge. There is no way a 2”x4” or even 4”x6” can handle this span, even with no load on it, it would still sag tremendously because of the length.
    Please upload pics or sketch.

    1. cussnu2 | Dec 30, 2019 10:19am | #3

      Has to be 35' LENGTH beam or it is supporting a total span of 35' (17.5 on each side)

    2. ktkcad | Dec 30, 2019 07:12pm | #4

      I read it as: Original is 3 spans for a total of 35'; Second option is 2 spans for a total of 35'. Loads on the walls do not change much but the loads on the posts in the middle (and their footings) change a lot!
      Neither option can be spanned by 2x4 or 4x6 so TMK2 has given the best advice: get a structural engineer involved and get it drawn for the contractor (not framer) to follow.
      Your home insurance company will remain liable only when its constructed right. Anything else will give them wiggle room to get out of paying.

  3. user-7509431 | Dec 31, 2019 12:39am | #5

    I will post pictures tomorrow
    Thank you
    Good information

  4. user-7509431 | Jan 01, 2020 12:09am | #6

    Attached pictures

  5. user-7509431 | Jan 01, 2020 12:12am | #7

    Picture

  6. user-7509431 | Jan 01, 2020 12:20am | #8

    More pictures
    Light receptacle as a reference to damaged beam 2 by 4

  7. user-7509431 | Jan 01, 2020 12:25am | #9

    More pictures

  8. florida | Jan 01, 2020 09:27am | #10

    That's not a beam. It's just a top plate for your knee wall. The studs under each rather are providing the support. You can replace it with another piece of 2" X 4" although it may be thicker than today's 1 5/8" dimension. If it was me and termites were no longer present I'd nail a 2 X 6" alongside it fastened to each stud and toenailed to the rafters. No need to remove it at all.

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