Warning: How to Fix A Sagging Beam

Fixing an under designed structural beam by adding LVL. Framing and carpentry skills needed to straighten the LVL, remove hangers, cut back the joists, add LVL, and the best tools for the job.

To be clear, this beam was not failing, it was not the engineer's fault. This design was submitted "prescriptively" and this beam was under designed by the draftsman and no one caught it. Now, its fixed.

Some of the links below are affiliate links. I may make a small commission off of them.

0:00 Don't Do this
0:31 Why is the Beam Sagging?
1:23 Who's Responsible?
3:42 Why'd This Happen?
4:11 The Wrong Way to Jack a Beam
8:09 The Right Way to Jack a Beam
16:53 Plumbing is in the Way!
19:45 Adding LVL Step by Step
21:16 Temp Wall
22:58 Cutting Back the Joists
24:31 Proper Fastener Location Strong Tie SDWS Timber Screw
27:52 How to Fasten LVL
28:45 Reinstall Hangers
29:57 Removing the Column
31:50 Cleanup

Spotify Playlist

#building #construction #framing #diablofreudambassador

[ellkir]

Retired builder and remodeler here for thirty years. You did the right thing by stepping up when you didn't have to. By the time you spend all the time, money, and possibly attorneys avoiding the fix, you're better off just fixing and keeping your reputation intact.

Had a similar scenario where I removed the siding and trim and bolted a 3/4 length 1/2" steel plate direct to outside of beam using a engineering formula I had to research myself to give to the project engineer. Whole lot better then removing hangers and trying to wedge in a strengthener. We planned on Rim trimming when we were done, but the owner liked the primer painted plate and bolts so we decorative cut the ends of the steel plate and painted it. Looked like it was intentional from the start which is always a goal.

[davey]

I wish I could say I've never had a jack kick out. Even though I knew nobody got hurt, I tensed up watching the guys cranking on the jacks (well, only the first five time I saw it). Good job (and smart business) to take care of an issue outside normal warranty parameters. We all make mistakes, not everybody fixes them. Also, did my heart good seeing one of the crew going over the driveway with the magnet. If you'd spent several thousand dollars fixing the beam but the owner got a flat tire, that's the story he'd tell everyone who would listen.

[devinmason]

Quick tip that I learned from our concrete guy while remodeling a flip house: Set the post on the flat surface (garage floor) and put your bottle jack ON TOP of the post. The post becomes a wide safe base for the bottle jack and all the action is happening up top. Far less likely to slip out like that. Edit: Just realized that you figured that out later in the video. thanks for this upload yall!

[georgetuider]

Let's see now... you have been in business for a long time. You do the right thing even when you don't have to... you have been in business for a long time... I wonder if there is a connection there? Thanks for another video. By the way, that is a beautiful house you built.

[scottmarley]

Little bit of generosity goes along way Tim. Your company just got stronger.

[johngalbraith]

This is how a good business should operate, outstanding

[nathankilgore]

I disagree somewhat that it shouldn't fall on the engineer on record. It is his responsibility to double check the architectural design and ensure that it will work with the point loads that are there. But it is a little bit on the architect as well. It shouldn't however be on your company Tim. As a contractor too, as long as we build according to the plan, we can't know what beams will be sufficient in place. This is why we need to be sure to build exactly to the drawings so it doesn't fall back on I do like your videos and content and the way you execute them!! Keep em' coming, CHEERS!

[PeterLee-znjl]

20 ft span...full kitchen... ext wall w/floor / 2 stories , wall above/rafter load..granite kitchen counter..
USE STEEL...ADD A SAFETY /OVER LOAD FACTOR...?
Flitch, a steel post alternstive

[sschrybu]

I rented screw jacks, very safe & lots of control over jacking speed & height. Two days for your crew, engineering, materials plus a bunch of figuring on your part. Not a small repair for a home owner. Good on you for making it right 👍

[shepgre]

This video came across my feed and was the first of yours that i have watched.

Several observations:

1. Awesome humor
2. Committed to quality work
3. More committed to excellent reputation
4. Not a finger pointer, passing blame (seem willing to own mistakes and/or absorb blame even if not your personal mistake)
5. That's all about good character

Wish you were in Arkansas. You would be my go to.

Thanks

[raygreeninfo]

Excellent work and act of integrity sharing a mistake, lesson learned and the final repair.

[jonathansage]

Man I wish I'd known about you when we started our build. Huge integrity. I will definitely send anyone that's looking your way.

[bobcougar]

I wonder about the thought process of the different parties involved here. Do I have it right that the 3/4" deflection is not a structural issue, the beam is strong enough, as is?
First, I'm amazed an inspector noticed it and I'd be curious as to how he wrote it up. Somewhere between "slight deflection in beam, within tolerances" and "Dangerous sagging in beam, potential failure"

Second: How did the homeowner understand what the inspector wrote? I've had homeowners very concerned that a 1/8" check in a 6x6 column was going to cause a catastrophe.
I wonder if the homeowner understood that it's not a structural issue.

Was there any damage to the interior finishes above from the movement? When that jack kicked out that was my first thought.

[BurtTMacklin-fbi]

Bought two from Amazon, always buy local 😂. Love the humor!

[kylehamburg]

Your videos are always very knowledgeable and fun to watch ! Keep up the great work!

[adamreith]

Wish I could find contractors/builders like AwesomeFramers in So Calif! Even on $3M-$4M houses, construction is often shoddy and cuts corners. The emphasis always seems to be on cosmetic surfaces and finishes to "look expensive", not the underlying construction & mechanical quality -- because that can't be immediately detected.

[philrilp]

You should call this episode "Wise Decisions come from Wise Guys" lol but seriously a good move and way less stressful than defending your business in a lawsuit or arbitration hearing regardless of being right. Shows your integrity as builder and as a person and goes a long ways in a community you do lots of work in. Cheers

[PandzaMan]

Blown away that you guys went back and fixed that! In the UK you’d get one phone call to the builder and you’d never hear back from them… EVER!

[kirkdunn]

good for you guys

just framed a garage with a remodel on a 3 story house with 2 huge beams in the garage supporting a corner 20ft each way on sandy soil on beach in so cal

throughout my time as a builder and remodeler Ive had to fix quite a few things some my fault others just good business practice

[carlbrown]

This shows how much integrity you have! You did the right thing even though you didnt have too. It was a simple fix and didnt put you out much. Good job as always.
Youd be surprised how many builders would just walk and block the homeowners number.