Floor joists
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Anonymous
| Our kitchen floor sags significantly as you move away from the edge of the house (kitchen on end of house). The joists themselves are actually ok, it is just they are a bit lengthy and if built today would not be as long. We could put a loly column underneath, but I would rather have something more permanent. Has anyone ever sistered a joist? If you have, can you tell me about the cost and process? I want to replace the linoleum with tile, but can't until it is more level. Know anyone who does this kind of work? We has a structural engineer look a while ago and he didn't think there were any structural issues. |
Anonymous
| I had one joist sistered in a row home with exposed joists and it was no big deal. It cost $200 for one joist and took just a couple of hours. Of course, row homes are narrow to begin with, so I'm not sure we're comparing apples to apples here. |
Anonymous
| OP here, the joists are easily accessible from our unfinished basement. The joist we would need would likely be bigger, but access isn't an issue. We are in nova. |
Anonymous
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So they are ok even though not up to code?
If they are accessible underneath, this isn't a big job, although lengthy pieces of lumber or lvl get pricey quickly. It is unlikely you will get rid of the sag entirely, it just won't get worse. For tiling, you will probably want to put in a new subfloor and use self leveling cement to get an even base. |
Anonymous
First thing you should do is get span tables to get a sense for how it should have been framed. Then , I would suggest that you should jack it up slowly and then either sister with deeper material or put in a column. If you put a column you will need to put a footing in - meaning saw cut out the slab and put in an 18 x 18 footing. Sorry but it sounds like you do not have the background to properly assess or re mediate. For a decent GC or Framer this is not a big deal nor should it be that expensive. |
Anonymous
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The big problem with sistering joists is if you have electric wiring and cables that run through holes in the joists. This really makes this type of job very complicated and adding a new beam and columns underneath the joists might make more sense.
If you plan on putting tile in the kitchen, you should definitely address this issue or you will get lots of cracking. |
Anonymous
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OP here, thanks for the thoughts everyone. As far as code is concerned, it was code when the house was built in 1967 and every house on the block is the same. THe joists themselves are not cracked and have no damage. I think part of the issue is that the prior owners put a very heavy, but very nice, room of solid wood built-ins in that area, and we of course added cambria and a huge double oven in the kitchen.
We plan to redo a lot of electrical/panel within the year, so perhaps that is the time to sister the joists ( which are right near the panel in the basement. I was hoping to put in tile floor in the kitchen sooner than that, but oh well. Now, any one recommend someone to do this? Someone reputable who will do it right without over charging? I know, a lot to ask but I don't know any GCs that I would trust. I do plan to look on angies list I suppose.... |
Anonymous
| Why don't you just buy some jack posts at home depot |
Anonymous
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21:06 here: I would suggest two things. First, a good structural engineer to assess and provide you with an exact design of what is to be done. I've recommended Robert Wixson of APAC Engineering before, his number is (301) 565-0543. Initial consult and plan is probably $250.
After that, finding a good carpenter who can follow the plans and do the work right is simply an Angies List or neighbor recommendation. This is something you will want done right. |
Anonymous
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OP here, jack posts get in the way. Our basement is not finished, but we do use it.
Thanks for the reference. Anyone else??? Please! Especially for a contractor to do the job. |