On Sun, 19 Mar 2006 06:29:03 GMT, "Steve Barker LT"
wrote:
I need to place a beam to support a ceiling (and roof above that). The span
is 14 feet. Supported only on the ends. I'm thinking of 3 2x12's with a
half inch of plywood between each. Is this overkill, not enough, or just
right? I don't really want anymore beam than necessary, but also don't want
it sagging 5 years from now.
thanks!
I think that, if you're not willing to hire a pro to do the
math for you, and given the level of understanding implied
by your posting(s), you're foolish to be attempting this
major a renovation by yourself.
That said, If this a single-story section and a gable-end,
and you're expanding onto a porch, which is what it looks
like, then you're PROBABLY ok with a built up glued and
screwed beam of 3 or more 2x12s. Assuming that you post
down properly through the floor and land on something solid
underneath. This "you're ok" only applies if the
surrounding structure looks like this:
(
www.goedjn.com/sketch/kitchen.gif)
If there's another floor above you, or this is a side
wall, you should probably rebuild most of that wall
and content yourself with a pair of wide doorways and
a window.
Note that there's a very good chance that that masonry stack
is holding up a beam in the ceiling and/or the ridgepole
of the roof, depending on how old it is. Don't get
too enamoured of the idea of taking it out until you
know for sure what it's holding up.
You really need to open up a hole in the ceiling above to
look at what that wall is holding up, and how the ceiling/roof
structure is put together. and get pictures of what's
underneath in the cellar/crawlspace.
My suggestion, If you're not going to do the sensible
thing and hire a pro, is to leave the chimney in place,
flank it with a pair of 4x6 posts, put another pair
of 4x6 posts at the ends of the 14' opening,
like so: (
www.goedjn.com/sketch/kit2.jpg)
And then design around the chimney. It MIGHT be
overkill, and it's not quite what you wanted to do,
but an abundance of caution is a good response to
working outside your area of competence.
--Goedjn