Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Primary Support Beam Replacement

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Foundations and Basements
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 15 Dec 2002
Time: 01:25 AM

Comments

Replacing the primary support members of an older home is exacting and sometimes dangerous work. Depending on access to the underneath side of the structure, the cost of such repairs will vary greatly. If access is minimal, significant excavation may be required. Furthermore, after a home has settled, floor joists and other structural members can become deformed. Sometimes, even after replacement of the primary support members is complete, other components of the structure will retain their "memory" and may be difficult to fully straighten. To minimize damage to the existing structure, jacking is done incrementally -- just a fraction of an inch per day. This allows the structure to gradually readjust. Invariably, anytime you re-level an old home, you can expect a range of side effects, including adjustments to the plumbing to ensure proper slope, cracks in the plaster or drywall, adjustment to door jambs that out of alignment, sticking windows and more. Most of these situations can be remedied by a professional contractor. If you love the home and the neighborhood and you have the money to do it right without over-investing in the property, structurally reinforcing your home is a sound idea...and it will bring peace of mind to know that the foundation and the substructure are level and well reinforced.

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