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Expert: - 6/6/2011


Question
Support Beams
Support Beams
Hello Michael,
I am concerned about the support beams in my basement.  The ends of the beams are exposed and don't seem to be very well supported.  The end of the horizontal beam rests a few inches above the cement wall. It looks like there may have been some metal plates used to close the gap between the top of the wall and the base of the beam.  These plates where then covered in a crumbly cement like mixture(I could literally scratch it off with my fingers).
The vertical post partially rests on the end of this horizontal beam with what looks like no other support.
My home is almost a year old now and is located in Newmarket, ON, Canada.  I have brought this to the attention of my builder during our PDI and have submitted it as a concern as part of my home warranty. They did send someone to look at it.  Their solution was to fill the gaps with spray foam.
I have attached a photo of the beams in question. My home is a semi-detached home, and the attached photo shows the exposed ends of the beam in the wall that separates the two houses. I am concerned as the innermost vertical beam (which may or may not be part of the neighbouring home) seems to be crooked and the placement and support of the horizontal beam seem questionable.  I will be including this issue again on my next submission to Tarion, but would like to know if I should be getting a more extensive repair than spray foam.
Thanks for your help,
Melissa

Answer
Hi Melissa,

The large horizontal "I" beam should be bearing in the foundation 3 1/2" which is minimum. From the photo it doesn't look like it is but hard to tell. The steel plates and cement is normal as the pockets are usually left too big. The steel column on the top of the beam seems to be not centered on the "I" and also not 3 1/2" bearing. The other column you can see appears to be the neighbors' and shouldn't be so close to yours for fire protection. Their beam and post should be 2" from yours and the area filled with cement.
The building inspector should have caught this on the framing inspection but many times they just don't look closely enough or even go into the basement. I would call David Potter, Chief Building Official in the Town of Newmarket and ask him to come and look at the issue. Telephone: 905-953-5300 ext. 2400 (email him that photo and maybe a closer one)
Also don't rely on Tarion to look after much. The builders know how to stall them until your warranty expires.

The large "I" beam is easy to move so that it's under the column but that won't fix the clearance problem with the neighbors' steel.

Oh and don't let them fill that with foam, in the event that it is not as bad as it looks it needs filled with cement type product.

Hope this helps and good luck.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you so much for your prompt response! The information you provided was helpful and very much appreciated. I will definitely take your advice. Thanks again!!!


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Michael Curry

Expertise

Carpentry and new home framing - insulation - drywall - roofing - foundations (block and poured) flooring (wood and ceramic) masonry While I build complete houses I am not qualified in plumbing or electrical.

Experience

Have been building new homes for 22 years and run my own company. I do or supervise most of the work.

Organizations
LIUNA

Publications
Have been on home improvement TV shows

Education/Credentials

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