Expert: Daniel Humphrey - 11/18/2008

Question
I have a ranch in Eklhart, In in which I have a triple 2x10 beam running the length of the basement.  I have one spot the beam is support by the block foundation and a steel post with a 13' span between.  Above this span is a open living room.  I'm in the process of finishing the basement room to a second living area.  I feel the 13' span is long but should hold.  Just looking for some professional advice to this.  Am I good or do I really need a post in my new space?  I remove a single 2x4 post in the area connect to a old bar.  I measured the beam height and in 3 days it hasn't sagged at all.  The upstairs living space has a light bounce though.  Nothing structural I'm worried about expect one day my drywall upstairs cracking.  What's your thought?

Greatfully,
Shane

Answer
Shane,

Yep, you'll get some bounce without support in 13 feet on a triple 2x10 beam. I think in time, you might see a deflection also, since it takes time for the wood to bend permanently.

Drywall cracking would be unlikely unless you have a bearing wall directly over the beam. If that is the case, you could strip that wall, add metal brackets to tie the studs to the beam, sheet first with plywood and then with sheetrock over that--making a big wall truss that will not bend. Keep all seams at least 16" away from the layer below.

If it's in the middle of the floor, you will need that post to keep the bounce out.

Hope that helps you decide. Good luck.

Daniel