When you replace those floor beams you may want to do it in stages. The current beams supported the floor but they also added strength to help the side walls from bending in strong wind. You do not want to see the house walls go from | | to // because the lateral support is temporarily removed
That’s a good thing to add. The stability inspector we consulted mentioned the extra stability provided by the beams as well. However he wasn’t too worried about that since the walls seemed in perfect condition.
After the fact kibitzing - but sometimes you can save an old ceiling by (a) chemically neutralizing any damaged joists and (b) sistering them with new lumber. But that's not always possible and only worth doing if the old ceiling has some special feature such integrated art / design work that you want to save. Absent that, what you did is probably for the best.
The upside to taking down the ceiling is you can raise the floor to above that tall window that was kinda covered and can have the new floor at one level instead of two
The solution for the new floor will sadly be a bit more complex. But it's truly the best opportunity to fix some of the weird quirks it previously had.
A drastic step, but necessary given the extent of the termite damage. The old beams look like what I would call 2x4 lumber, except they're actually 2 inches by 4 in, unlike today's 2x4s that are 1.5 x 3.5. In the US, today I'd use 2x8 boards for a ceiling of that size, or 2x10s.
You might have been able to keep the old beams if they were much thicker and undamaged. However it they had been in perfect condition but that thin you would eventually have wanted to replace them. Beams that small would not have been up to code in the USA even back in 1912. I have 2x8's over a much shorter span and my house was built in 1911.
raising the cieling on the one side sounds great.
Good choice. Taking down that floor. "Rustic" and "authentic" are nice to have, but so are modern safety standards and comfort levels 😁
Guess you’re right about that 😅
When you replace those floor beams you may want to do it in stages. The current beams supported the floor but they also added strength to help the side walls from bending in strong wind. You do not want to see the house walls go from | | to // because the lateral support is temporarily removed
That’s a good thing to add. The stability inspector we consulted mentioned the extra stability provided by the beams as well. However he wasn’t too worried about that since the walls seemed in perfect condition.
You are very brave! Interesting…❤
Thanks 😁
After the fact kibitzing - but sometimes you can save an old ceiling by (a) chemically neutralizing any damaged joists and (b) sistering them with new lumber. But that's not always possible and only worth doing if the old ceiling has some special feature such integrated art / design work that you want to save. Absent that, what you did is probably for the best.
What you have done may feel like a step backward, but better to start with a clean slate and do things correctly and live happily 😊! Happy New Year!
Thanks
👍
Happy New Year!
Best wishes 😊
Just subscribed, really enjoying your video style and positivity! Happy New Year.
Thanks! Happy New Year to you too
The upside to taking down the ceiling is you can raise the floor to above that tall window that was kinda covered and can have the new floor at one level instead of two
The solution for the new floor will sadly be a bit more complex. But it's truly the best opportunity to fix some of the weird quirks it previously had.
A drastic step, but necessary given the extent of the termite damage. The old beams look like what I would call 2x4 lumber, except they're actually 2 inches by 4 in, unlike today's 2x4s that are 1.5 x 3.5. In the US, today I'd use 2x8 boards for a ceiling of that size, or 2x10s.
A keen eye... We'll be showing more of the details soon 😊
You might have been able to keep the old beams if they were much thicker and undamaged. However it they had been in perfect condition but that thin you would eventually have wanted to replace them. Beams that small would not have been up to code in the USA even back in 1912. I have 2x8's over a much shorter span and my house was built in 1911.
You balanced on ROTTING BEAMS! ON ROTTING; SOFT and MUSHY beams. You have a death wish. And very, very busy guardian angels.
Or brave? 😅