Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 3/14/2011

Question
i'm wanting to level a foundations main beam w/steal in order to allow more head room. can this be done? wood beams are sectioned and staggered w/2x10x12 4 thick and have sagged aprox 1 1/2in in the middle. the span is 25ft. what steal, either L angle or I beam application would allow me to remove entire original beam OR cut out 2 spots for doorways to be supported by 2 new posts?

even better what ibeam application could allow the whole area opened, in stead of walls going up were beam is currently is?

Answer
hi chris, I don't have enough information to give you a proper beam size for replacing the entire span.  25' is a long span just to hold up its own weight let alone hold up a floor system and potentially the roof system as well.  A W8x15 would work but may be a little bit bouncy depending on your floor system.  I like to refer anyone who plans on removing structural posts or beams to meet with an engineer to determine exactly what sized beam will work for you particular floor and beam loads.  A W 8 beam is 8" high, the 15 means it weighs 15 pounds per lineal foot.  So a 25' beam times 15 pounds per foot weighs 325 pounds so be sure to have some beefy guys around to help you hoist that bad boy into place.  But check with a local engineer, he may suggest a lighter beam for this span.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson