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Beam in garage supporting upstairs room

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Beam in garage supporting upstairs room verivin 10-24-2006
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Posted by on October 24, 2006, 11:45 pm
My house (built in '86) has a family room (size 16' x 26') above a
two-car garage. All that's supporting the floor across the span of the
garage are 2x8 floor joists running across the 16' length. Because
there are no supports in the garage, the family room floor is bouncier
than I'd like. What I'm thinking of doing is putting a beam down the
26' length in the garage, supported at each end by a metal post. The
floor to finished ceiling height in the garage is 10'. Anyone have any
suggestions on what size beam to use? My first thought was a steel
I-beam, but maybe I can do it myself with (say) three 2x12s bolted
together. Of course, that might depend on whether I can find 26' long
2x12s. Think 2x12s will do the job and provide rigidity over that
large a span? I guess manufactured beams would be another possibility.
If so, what size?


Posted by on October 25, 2006, 12:13 am
Sorry, meant 2x10 floor joists running across the 16' length (every
16"), not 2x8.


verivin@yahoo.com wrote:
> My house (built in '86) has a family room (size 16' x 26') above a
> two-car garage. All that's supporting the floor across the span of the
> garage are 2x8 floor joists running across the 16' length. Because
> there are no supports in the garage, the family room floor is bouncier
> than I'd like. What I'm thinking of doing is putting a beam down the
> 26' length in the garage, supported at each end by a metal post. The
> floor to finished ceiling height in the garage is 10'. Anyone have any
> suggestions on what size beam to use? My first thought was a steel
> I-beam, but maybe I can do it myself with (say) three 2x12s bolted
> together. Of course, that might depend on whether I can find 26' long
> 2x12s. Think 2x12s will do the job and provide rigidity over that
> large a span? I guess manufactured beams would be another possibility.
> If so, what size?


Posted by on October 30, 2006, 2:10 pm
Just an update. I visited my local lumber supply store and was quoted
$1,100 for a manufactured beam (the guy did the calculations on what
size was necessary). The person I dealt with suggested I go with a
steel I-beam, because it would cost less. I then got a quote on the
steal beam and that was $500 (delivered but not installed). On the
other hand, I can get three 2x12s for $150. The lumber guy said he
thought the 2x12s would do the job, but, not being an engineer, he
couldn't say for sure. The suggestion of sistering the joists is
probably a good one, though I hate to pull down all the drywall (well,
actually, it's the thought of reinstalling it that I hate).


Posted by carolyn on October 25, 2006, 2:55 am
verivin@yahoo.com wrote:

> My house (built in '86) has a family room (size 16' x 26') above a
> two-car garage. All that's supporting the floor across the span of the
> garage are 2x8 floor joists running across the 16' length. Because
> there are no supports in the garage, the family room floor is bouncier
> than I'd like. What I'm thinking of doing is putting a beam down the
> 26' length in the garage, supported at each end by a metal post. The
> floor to finished ceiling height in the garage is 10'. Anyone have any
> suggestions on what size beam to use? My first thought was a steel
> I-beam, but maybe I can do it myself with (say) three 2x12s bolted
> together. Of course, that might depend on whether I can find 26' long
> 2x12s. Think 2x12s will do the job and provide rigidity over that
> large a span? I guess manufactured beams would be another possibility.
> If so, what size?

Chack out engineered lumber. I would look for an LVL I-beam at your local
hardware store. For a 26' span you can probably use two or three of them
bolted together. Google for manufacturers specs once you know what is
easily available in your neighbourhood.

Carolyn
--
Carolyn Marenger


Posted by Bob Morrison on October 25, 2006, 11:20 am
In a previous post verivin@yahoo.com wrote...
> My house (built in '86) has a family room (size 16' x 26') above a
> two-car garage. All that's supporting the floor across the span of the
> garage are 2x8 floor joists running across the 16' length. Because
> there are no supports in the garage, the family room floor is bouncier
> than I'd like. What I'm thinking of doing is putting a beam down the
> 26' length in the garage, supported at each end by a metal post. The
> floor to finished ceiling height in the garage is 10'.
>

You could accomplish the same effect by doubling up the joists. In fact
the "doubles" don't even have to run all the way across the 16 feet. Buy
some 12-foot pieces. Jack the existing joists to level or slight above.
Glue and screw the new pieces on and take out the jacks. Re-install the
sheet rock

--
Bob Morrison, PE, SE
R L Morrison Engineering Co
Structural & Civil Engineering
Poulsbo WA
bob at rlmorrisonengr dot com

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