Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 11/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: i have a room of 28 feet* 11 feet. 28 feet in length and 11 in width. this room apart from surrounding by beams has got a conceal beam ( flush beam in ceiling) in between i.e. is at 14 feet. my question is is it safe??????? the room has got 3 columns on both sides. also this room is having one more floor above where a wall is built exactly where the conceal( flush beam in ceiling ) lies

ANSWER: Hi muhammad, it sounds to me like the builder needed to add the "intermediate" flush beam to cut the span of your joists to a workable length without having the header impose into the living space.  It is perfectly acceptable to do this.  The joists should be attached to the hidden beam with joist hangers or sitting on a ledger attached to the beam.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

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QUESTION: thnx
   but can you explain joist hanger and sitting on a ledger attached to the beam

Answer
Hi again muhammad, a joist hanger is made of metal and is shaped like a saddle.  It is attached to the beam and the joist sits in the saddle.  A ledger is generally a 2" thick piece of wood (2x4 or 2x6) bolted or nailed to the carrying beam. The joists bear on top of the ledger and are then toenailed into the beam.. I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com