How can I fix or replace a telepost plate that is too wide?
1/11/2015 at 10:51:40 PM
Hello,
I have just started the process of finishing my basement. I am doing the framing myself as I have done three other basements with friends and family and I am pretty comfortable with it. However, I ran across a situation today that I don't know what to do. One of the teleposts in my basement has two plates on the top. A 4x6 and a 6x6. All other teleposts only have a 4x6 place. This will prevent me from drywalling flush which is a big deal as it is the primary visual line when you walk into the basement.
Any suggestions on how to deal with this? Can I grind off the weld and remove the top plate then bolt the plate into the header?
Interestingly our home builder only attached that telepost by scabbing on a 2/4 and using two bolts. The house is only 3 years old and was build by a major home builder in the Edmonton area. Lots of interesting and sloppy work in the basement I need to fix.
Thanks in Advance.
1/12/2015 at 6:44:08 AM
Hi Dana,
Yes, I beleive you can cut it off. Clearly it's not carrying any load. My question though is, is it centered on the beam? Do you have the same projection on the other side?
The load should be in the middle of that post. Other than that, I don't see why it cannot be cut off.
Hope this helps, all the best.
Gilbert Lutes
Certified Carpenter
Total Home
1/12/2015 at 10:57:19 AM
Dana,
As Gilbert mentioned, the main concern is to have the telepost centered to support the beam. If it is in a good position, I would suggest that the sides of the plate be ground off to match the width of the beam. You mentioned grinding off the plate from the weld, but the above suggestion may be easier (although a fair amount of grinding) but would keep the weld intact. The other suggestion, IF POSSIBLE, is just to unscrew the top plate and return it for the proper size. The supplier should not have a problem with this. If unsure about the supplier, just make a few phone calls and ask for some advice about replacement. (some supplier are very helpful that way) Short story ... it isn't a major problem.
Good luck and have fun.
Mark
1/12/2015 at 12:43:54 PM
Thanks for the responses.
The photos posted in a funny order... Photo 1 and 3 is of the telepost top plate that is too large and photo two is the top on all three other teleposts in my basement. (Four total seems excessive for a 28' span but this is not my area of expertise.
If I zip down the telepost to remove the top plate and get a replacement from the supplier, do I need to support that area with anyting? I can put some 2x4s on sides if need be. There is a telepost on the left about 70" away and another telpost to the right that is about 74" away.
1/12/2015 at 3:02:33 PM
There is no need for the plate to be wider than the beam. You now have a wall supporting the beam down the middle of your house. Shim the wall so that it is tight and helping take the load then you could take the post out and cut the plate on the work bench or just leave the post out.
1/13/2015 at 4:38:05 PM
Hi Dana,
You can likely screw the post down, take out and replace the plate, or clamp it to a work bench and cut it properly because of the 2x6 wall you have built under the beam. However you do need to re-install the beam after you have fixed the plate size because the 2x6 wall is not sitting on a proper foundation.
Good Luck with your renovation.
Aaron Bates
Georgian Custom Renovations
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