replacing the beam

Post Reply | Watch this Post

I recall your earlier post but don't usually reply if I cant get a clear idea of whats going on. You mentioned previously replacing the columns, I got the impression you were pretty saavy about this stuff, and since the approach I would take is fairly simple and straightforward I thought your missing it meant it was more involved.

I picture you having a raised deck off the house, with a ledger against the house, the beam (to be replaced) offset from the house, and joists running perpendicular to the house.

So about a foot back from the beam run a 20' temp beam under the joists. Nail it to the joist with duplex nails so it wont move. Even thought its temp its gotta be sturdy. Support it with jacking posts, or blocking, whatever, depending on the height. Jack it tight enough to take the weight off the beam but not so much that it racks the rest of the deck. Use sawzall to cut out the old beam. Whack in the new one, refasten it all.

Put your furniture back on the deck, fire up the grill and crack open the beers for lunch. Good Luck