Learn More About Headers and Beams!
How would you like a booklet that contains a series of size selection and
allowable load tables for choosing Southern Pine headers and beams? The
Southern Pine Council has this booklet available FREE on their
website for download in PDF format. Go to their Publications Depot and look
under
Southern Pine Lumber Guides.
Beam and Column Illustration
Following is a very simple cross section showing how you insert a wooden beam
into a frame wall. The wood beam is supported by two 2x4s on each end. These are
typically called jack studs and are nailed directly to a king stud that runs
from the bottom plate continuous to the top plate. Note how the column on the
right side of the wall does not fall on top of a floor joist below. In that
situation wood blocking is added between the steel I- beam below and the
subfloor under the column on the right. Most beams under six foot total span
only require a single 2x4 for support at each end. Beams over six feet need two
2x4s at each end. Always verify this requirement with your inspector!
Electronic Sensing Device
You are thinking of remodeling...What lurks behind that plaster wall?
Wouldn't it be nice if you had the X-ray vision of Superman? Well, you don't -
but you can have the next best thing.
The Zircon Company has a full line of sensors and scanners, some for the
homeowner and others for the seasoned pro. Check out the scanner page on their
website! One product has a very cool LCD screen and an audible tone that alerts
you to studs, joists, pipes, electric wires, etc.
The tool can scan through 1.5 inches of plaster and can find metal up to
three inches deep. It operates on a simple nine volt battery. This is a well
made tool. It can save you from an expensive plumbing or electrical repair!
