Framing around an I-beam and plumbing stack

Lemkie · 12-06-2012, 04:38 PM

Hello all,

I'm currently renovating a basement and am framing walls at this time. I'm using 2x4's and Roxul insulation. I have an I-beam that runs vertically right next to my foundation. I'm looking for tips on how to frame around it and also what I should do to insulate it.

I have a vertical plumbing stack which I need to frame around as well, however the insulation will fit behind the stack. Insulation will not fit behind the I-beam as it is right against the foundation wall

Attached are some pictures. I was thinking of framing a 2x4 wall all around the I-beam and filling the void with Roxul, however if possible I'd like to have a thinner wall on the face of the I-beam so as to not reduce the walking space in front of it.

I hope this makes sense. Thanks everyone

TheCamper · 12-06-2012, 08:54 PM

The framed wall with insulation on all three sides of the column is best but if you need the space in front of the column you can install a thermal break, on the front of the column, e.g. anything that does not transfer heat such as a piece of lumber or some sill siller material or the like. You will trade off some energy efficiency for space but it will be worth it.

Lemkie · 12-06-2012, 09:29 PM

Would continuing my vapour barrier all around the column be suitable enough to put drywall right over top? I plan on insulating the sides but I'm looking to save as much room as possible on the front.

carpdad · 12-07-2012, 08:29 AM

I think that metal beam was put there to hold the foundation from caving in. I would first make sure the reason for that I beam.
Closing it in may quicken the rusting. But you can frame with PT 2x3 flush with the face of the beam, so that only sheetrock protrudes. Use glue for trim here. Don't insulate inside. Insulation may become wet then you have other problems. Consider using something like vinyl soffit vent pieces to close the beam. May not look great, but at least give the beam chance to stay dry.

Lemkie · 12-08-2012, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carpdad

I think that metal beam was put there to hold the foundation from caving in. I would first make sure the reason for that I beam.
Closing it in may quicken the rusting. But you can frame with PT 2x3 flush with the face of the beam, so that only sheetrock protrudes. Use glue for trim here. Don't insulate inside. Insulation may become wet then you have other problems. Consider using something like vinyl soffit vent pieces to close the beam. May not look great, but at least give the beam chance to stay dry.

The I-Beam connects to a horizontal beam above it which is what I originally thought it was supporting. It could be supporting the wall as well I'm not really sure how to tell. Does this affect how I should close it in?

12-06-2012, 04:38 PM	#1
Lemkie Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 76	Framing around an I-beam and plumbing stack Hello all, I'm currently renovating a basement and am framing walls at this time. I'm using 2x4's and Roxul insulation. I have an I-beam that runs vertically right next to my foundation. I'm looking for tips on how to frame around it and also what I should do to insulate it. I have a vertical plumbing stack which I need to frame around as well, however the insulation will fit behind the stack. Insulation will not fit behind the I-beam as it is right against the foundation wall Attached are some pictures. I was thinking of framing a 2x4 wall all around the I-beam and filling the void with Roxul, however if possible I'd like to have a thinner wall on the face of the I-beam so as to not reduce the walking space in front of it. I hope this makes sense. Thanks everyone Last edited by Lemkie; 12-06-2012 at 04:41 PM.

12-06-2012, 08:54 PM	#2
TheCamper Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 182	Framing around an I-beam and plumbing stack The framed wall with insulation on all three sides of the column is best but if you need the space in front of the column you can install a thermal break, on the front of the column, e.g. anything that does not transfer heat such as a piece of lumber or some sill siller material or the like. You will trade off some energy efficiency for space but it will be worth it.

12-06-2012, 09:29 PM	#3
Lemkie Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 76	Framing around an I-beam and plumbing stack Would continuing my vapour barrier all around the column be suitable enough to put drywall right over top? I plan on insulating the sides but I'm looking to save as much room as possible on the front.

12-07-2012, 08:29 AM	#4
carpdad Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 173	Framing around an I-beam and plumbing stack I think that metal beam was put there to hold the foundation from caving in. I would first make sure the reason for that I beam. Closing it in may quicken the rusting. But you can frame with PT 2x3 flush with the face of the beam, so that only sheetrock protrudes. Use glue for trim here. Don't insulate inside. Insulation may become wet then you have other problems. Consider using something like vinyl soffit vent pieces to close the beam. May not look great, but at least give the beam chance to stay dry.

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Framing around an I-beam and plumbing stack