support beam

2/10/2011 at 1:20:23 AM

A 14 foot beam is not bad to change to be able to remove the post, you have some options, 1 : change it with a paralam beam or 2 : a steel beam, either way you need a tech to come in and they'll tell you what size of beam you would need. Hope this helps

2/10/2011 at 12:31:48 PM

For your own protection and safety of the occupents in the dwelling. Under the Ontario Building Code you should be hiring a structual engineer to review work and prepare the plans for a building permit if you wish to have this done. A qualified contractor or a knowledgable handyman with the direction of the engineer can easly accomplish this.

2/10/2011 at 4:22:49 PM

Hi, we have undertaken many basement restructuring projects and as previously advised an engineer would have to specify the beam to be used and any revisions in point load footings, etc. In basements we always use steel beams because of head room issues as they are typically smaller than the LVLs that would have to be used. There are also a couple of other issues to be aware of. First, existing floor joists are not typically level and steel is dead straight so care , prep work and planning must be excercied as not to damage the floor etc above. More importantly, you will be displacing a greater load to two new point loads which very well may require new footings. Also temporary sturcture on both sides of the existing beam would have to be installed to pick up the weight before a new beam can be installed.

Feel free to call if you have further questions or require clarification.

Regards,

Kingsway Construction Inc.

Glenn Rosborough

2/10/2011 at 8:29:14 PM

l would consult a structual enginer before any beams are moved

2/10/2011 at 11:01:49 PM

Hire a Structural engineer is the very first thing you should consider. Get the drawings done by him and apply for permit.

I can not stress enough the importance of the engineer before under taking any work. Good Luck.

Miguel Benitez

2/15/2011 at 2:01:18 PM

You can get a beam sized by your local building supply store. They will require a bit more information though...span, tributary width (this is the width of joists that crosses the beam to the next support on both sides of the beam), any point loads from above(existing walls and columns that support uppper structure)...if unsure of any of these or their location, please consult an engineer.