I’m working on an old row home which has floor joists pocketed inside either side of the interior brick wall. Some of the joists will need to be shimed up in order to bring them back to level.
Does anyone have any ideas as to what type of shim material to use? I’m wondering if wood might actually compress a bit?
-Thanks
Replies
Plastic shims
There are stackable shims made of plastic that are used to shim steel. I picked up a box of various thicknesses a long time ago from some ironworkers..............................the box is now pretty depleted. These are not tapered. The box I have are 1-1/2" wide, by 3" long.
But, this shim stock is nice to work with. Depending on your needs, the 1/2", 1/4", 1/8" would be a good start. I used to use steel shims, but rust takes it's toll.
Both are allowed to shim beams to masonry.
Plastic (composite) shims are now available at the big boxes now. Other than the fact that you can't whack the ends off as easily, they're a better choice than wood for most uses, especially where they may get damp (as in this situation).