Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/19/2009

Question
I am about to remove an interior wall from a single story cinder block house with a stick framed roof.  The wall is perpendicular to the ceiling joists and is 12' long.  Originally i was going to use 2 ordinary 2x12's for the beam, but now i'm considering using LVL, which i understand is stronger and less prone to sagging etc.  There is a duct that is part of the HVAC system that is running where i need to put this beam, but there is about 9.5" clearance below the duct.  The lumber supplier i called said their 9.5" LVL is 1 and 3/8" thick.  My question is would it work to use 2 9.5" LVL's (making the total thickness 2.75") to span this section?  As a side note, one end of this beam will actually meet another 8' beam i am adding to the gabled end of the house so that i can remove a wall there as well.  I was planning on using the same 9.5" LVL for this beam and hanging it to the 12' beam where they meet.  Any advice would be much appreciated!

Answer
Hi Dylan, this should work.  It sounds like you are only dealing with ceiling load anyhow.  Your LVL dealer should be able to give you the specifications to verify the span but I don't see a problem.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson.