Beams are primary horizontal structural members, supporting entire sides of the floor system. Without beams, floor joists would have to be able to span from one foundation wall to the opposite wall. A beam supported by piers allows joists to be half the length, and prevents the need for a foundation wall in the middle. As they are basically standing in for a foundation wall, any problems can have widespread and even catastrophic implications.
Beams inside a finished house are often not visible; problems must be inferred. Remember where the loads line up from the roof downward. Are there are openings rather than walls or columns below those load paths? A post and beam should be there. Look for cracks or sagging in the finished surfaces around the beams, or in the visible beams themselves. Inspect for proper bearing support when possible: 3″ on masonry and 1.5″ on wood or metal. Beams must be have positive connections to their support posts. Look for stains, damage, twisting, deterioration, and excess or improper notching or boring. Beams built up from dimensional lumber must be tightly-constructed.
The beam is cracked or damaged. This can affect its load-bearing capacity. Hire a contractor to repair or replace the beam.
The beam is notched or has holes drilled that are beyond acceptable limits. This reduces the beam’s load-bearing capacity. Hire a contractor to repair or replace the beam.
The beam has inadequate bearing. This affects its overall ability to carry structural loads. Hire a contractor to provide repairs as needed.
A splice in the beam is not over a pier. This can affect its load bearing capacity. Hire a contractor for repairs or replacement as needed.
The beam is twisted or rotated. This can affect its load-bearing capacity. Hire a contractor to repair or replace the beam.
The beam is deteriorated. This can affect its load-bearing capacity. The cause of the deterioration should be identified. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to repair or replace the beam.
The beam is sagging. This indicates that excessive loads are being applied. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to repair or replace the beam.
The beam is crushed. This indicates that deterioration is present and/or excessive loads are being applied. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to repair or replace the beam.
The boards in the built-up beam are not tightly connected together, and the splices are not offset. This prevents them from acting as a single unit and affects the beam’s load-bearing capacity. Hire a contractor for repairs or replacements as needed.
There is an excessive number of shims installed at the beam. Excessive use of shims is poor building practice and can affect its load-bearing capacity. Hire a contractor to make required repairs.
The shims are loose at the beam. This reduces the bearing capacity of the beam. Hire a contractor to make required repairs.
There are additional, non-original structural supports and alterations. The reason for the installation of the additional structural supports is not apparent. Discuss this with the homeowner. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and repairs as needed.
Wood shims have been installed under the steel beam. Dimensional lumber, composite, or steel plates are needed for stability. Hire a contractor for repairs as needed.
The beam has inadequate bearing. This affects its overall ability to carry structural loads. Hire a contractor to provide repairs as needed.
The support column is not properly connected to the steel beam. This can allow the support to shift and affect the structural stability. Hire a contractor for repairs as needed.
The steel beam is rusted. The underlying conditions causing this should be corrected to prevent further deterioration that will affect its load-bearing capacity. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and repairs as needed.
The steel beam has shifted and is pressing on the foundation wall. This affects its load-bearing capacity and the floor system’s overall structural stability. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and repairs or replacement as needed.
The beam is deteriorated. This can affect its load-bearing capacity. The cause of the deterioration should be identified. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to repair or replace the beam.
