Day 17 thru 19: The beam

To open our dining, entry and living space, we had to replace a bearing wall with a header capable of supporting the weigh of our roof. We had a structural engineer design a solution. In order to install a 22 foot bean you need to demo the existing header and studs as well as beef up the footer and support columns plus re-enforce other walls by adding plywood sheers to the walls. Also needed is a temporary structure of studs and ceiling and floor plates to stabilized the ceiling while the beam is being anchored to the joists.

This view shows where all the joists were cut in preparation for the new beam to be installed. See the twin temporay wall to keep everything in place and ready for the beam installation.

 

Stacy put the finishing touches on the install sight. The beam is really three separate lumber planks. Each plank measures 2"x18"x22'. Each is brought into the house and angled into position then nailed together forming a solid structural element to support the roof above.

Below, Darrell figures how to get that other end into position. I hope they had a big breakfast so they can lift those monsters (300 pounds each) on top of the support columns.

Here's the final view of our new beam (header). Note all the metal brackets nailed into the beams to anchor the joist to the beam. Now the next task is securing the support columns and beefing-up the footings and then we can remove all the temporary support and see the open space without obstructions.

Stacy is under the house preparing beefed up the foundation with additional concrete to add stability to the support column holding up the kitchen side of the beam. There was a cubic yard of concrete used to make the new footing.

Here's a closer view of the bracket used to support the three beams. You can't really appreciate just how cool it is to shoulder all that weigh and you will never see it when the remodel is complete.

I promised some rough plumbing coverage. Here's the hall bathroom showing where the hot and cold water goes (copper pipe). The black plastic is the drain and vent pipe for the sinks.

Our drive is always filled with white trucks. They show up anytime after 8:00am and disappear by 4:30pm. They are typically Fords and packed with everything need to get the job done.

NEXT: The family room is added to the scope of work, plus a second small beam installed.