Replaceing Beam in basement
11/11/2012 at 3:13:34 PM
I would like to replace a wooden beam in my basement and the steel pole that holds it in up. I want to put a steel I beam in its place. The span is 20 feet and I have 2 rooms above it, one is a office and the other a bedroom. My basement room is 13X19.
What size of steel I beam is required according to the canadian building code?
11/11/2012 at 4:18:34 PM
Before you start removing and replacing structural support items in your house you will need a building permit. When you apply for a building permit you will have to supply a drawing or detail of what you are proposing. I would recommend having a designer put something together for you. I don't believe you need an engineer for this as it is covered in the span tables of the building code.
I would recommend going one size larger to take away any bounce.
NOTE: If you replace your structural support without a building permit you are taking on a huge liability and could leave your self open to law suit when selling home and you do not disclose modifications.
Good Luck, and call your local building officials :)
11/12/2012 at 1:00:50 AM
We wont go out on a limb here, by recommending you start with an 8" i-beam which you'll often see as the norm'.
I recommend you always consult an engineer, or have your contractor if you go that route consult one.
Load bearing beams require several factors for calculating the applicable strength, thickness, and weight of steel beam. As well as levels of floor above, bearing walls to roof structure or upper floor etc.
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