strengthening an existing beam - DIY Chatroom

ericw1 · 07-28-2009, 03:57 PM

Hello,

I have some concern about an existing beam we have on our covered patio. There is a span of 16 feet, achieved with a rough 6x6 beam of some kind. It is set on 6x6 posts. The 4 foot patio overhang is comprised of the same rough wood in 4x4's, 24 inches OC, with plywood + regular asphalt shingles. The span just looks very wide me and has less than one inch of sag in the center. We live in CA and the roof has nothing other than leaves on it in the fall. I would like to replace the beam and keep the existing span but the bottom of the beam is pretty low as it is...which is why I am guessing he went with a 6x6.

Have I provided enough info above to determine what size is appropriate...6x8,6x10,6x12?...Thank you! Height clearance is a concern...so I am really looking for the lowest profile...input on wood selection would be appreciated.

Thank you,

**thekctermite** · 07-28-2009, 04:55 PM

At 16' that thing is way overspanned. You might consider replacing it with a 6" steel beam.

Ron6519 · 07-28-2009, 05:54 PM

Put in another post. Everything else is harder, more expensive and more time consuming.
Ron

ericw1 · 07-28-2009, 07:39 PM

Thanks for the post...New to metals...is this an I beam? Where does one buy generally buy steel beams?

Ron6519 · 07-29-2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericw1

Thanks for the post...New to metals...is this an I beam? Where does one buy generally buy steel beams?

You have two other posts, why not just match those?
Ron

GBR in WA · 07-29-2009, 01:15 AM

A picture would be helpful. You would be surprised at how much the building safety codes have changed over that time, especially in CA, a seismic zone. Simpson, a major fastener company, even has the ratings approved for CA and FL, which are very strict because of their locations. Now would be a good time to upgrade for safety. Be safe, G

jogr · 07-29-2009, 07:30 PM

What is the span of the joists that sit on the beam? You mentioned a 4 ft patio overhang - if this beam is supporting joists that only come out 4 ft from the house wall and don't extend beyond the beam that is very different than joists that run from a house wall say 12 feet away and that extend 4 ft beyond the beam.

We need more data!

ericw1 · 07-29-2009, 07:44 PM

Thanks for the response! Those joists end about 6 inches beyond the beam with a fascia board.