Submitted by willxthexthrill t3_11drfn5 in DIY
Spinaccio t1_jaai8wc wrote
Install two temporary adjustable Lally columns near the middle of the beam to level it while you work. Drop a plumb bob from the center of the beam to the floor and mark it, then make that the center of a 12” square to cut out of the floor. Dig down to whatever the frost line is where you live (say, 4 feet). You can calculate how much concrete mix you should need, but I always buy more than I think the job will take, concrete mix has no expiration date. Pour about 12” into the hole, using the sides as a form (if you want to install steel reinforcement, bend it so it extends up 2 feet above this). Once that has set drop an 8” Sonotube onto it and fill it with concrete to the level of the floor. 72 hours later, level the joist with adjustable columns. Go slowly and check for cracks in the masonry above. Measure the distance from the beam to the new footing, taking base and top plates into consideration and cut a cement filled permenant Lally column to fit. I cut the pipe with a grinder and break it with a hammer. Raise the joist 1/4” or so to fit the new column, plumb it from 12 o’clock and 9 o’clock and lower the beam onto it. When you remove the temporary posts the beam should be level and solid. If the crack is bad, I would sister an LVL to it with 3/8” galvanized through bolts and washers. Next step, build a fire, crack a beer, and put on the game.
FreeCashFlow t1_jab1b49 wrote
I wish you were my neighbor and/or dad.
Malumeze86 t1_jab5271 wrote
He could be your dad.
You never know.
[deleted] t1_jacatwg wrote
[removed]
Homebrewsailor t1_jabswpb wrote
Bags of concrete absolutely have an expiration date. If you live anywhere humid they will absorb moisture and will set up in the bag. Never plan on storing bags of concrete or mortar long term
beazzy223 t1_jadiv9i wrote
Quickcrete is like $8 a bag. If your really worried about it going bad id just wrap it in a plastic bag.
Audio_Track_01 t1_jachycm wrote
Sounds good to me. I'm also reminded of advise i received on my saggy old house - it took 100 years to get like that. Best to lift it slowly to level. And expect some cracking noises.
Buffyoh t1_jacetsg wrote
Good advice. Did the same thing with sagging joists in my 1850 house. Still rock solid after forty years.
Charliefromlost t1_jablyft wrote
Is it necessary to dig to the frost line if the building is heated? I ask because I have little floor jacks under my kitchen that I presume the renovators put in to help support the tile and granite that was installed. This is on a crawl so it gets cold below the house but it doesn't freeze or else my pipes wouldn't be very happy
Homebrewsailor t1_jabt8uy wrote
You don’t need to dig below any frost line. Your basement already does that. You’d cut out the floor below your post because you can’t trust the concrete floor. Who knows how thick it is and how well it was done
Charliefromlost t1_jadfk2u wrote
My crawl space is just a dirt floor and only the foundation wall footings are below frost line. The dirt in the middle isn't dug as deep.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments