Page 71 - 2018 National Home Improvement

2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 54

When the weight is off the beam, cut out the decayed member and replace it. Then lower the needle
beam slowly, again not more than 1/4” per day. This work is easier if you set additional support piers or
posts and replace the beam in sections shorter than the original member.

Sagging Floors
It’s seldom practical to replace decayed floor joists, especially longer joists set with adhesive to the
floor sheathing. It’s much easier and just as effective to spike a new joist into position beside the old
joist. First, remove the joist blocking to make room for the new joist. Then lift the section of decayed
joists just enough to level the floor. A heavy 6” x 6” crossarm on top of a hydraulic jack will support a 4’
to 6’ width of a single-story house. Where you need additional support, add more jacks and crossarms.
Raise the jacks slowly, over several days, and only just enough to allow you to insert a new
pressure-treated joist beside the old joist. Excessive jacking will pull the building frame out of square.
Insert the new joist, supporting it with joist hangers, a ledger, or by spiking it firmly to the old joist.
Lower the jack. Then replace the joist bridges.