Beam & Column Replacement Experts in Chicago
Replacement of a rotting wooden timber I-beam and or columns inside your homes basement or crawlspace area is an essential part of your homes structural integrity.
Importance of Beam & Column Replacement
The I-beam in your home’s foundation supports the weight of the floors and walls above it. If it weakens or deteriorates, it can lead to serious structural problems. If the main I-beam support beam or column(s) are left unrepaired then eventually this could lead to major structural problems for your main supports. The solution is replacing your damaged wooden beams and or columns with new steel I-beams and columns.
Why Wooden Beams Deteriorate
Having a very damp basement or crawl space is not good for your main wood support beams and columns. Wood absorbs moisture, which causes it to rot in different places, especially at the bottom of a wooden column. If you have this problem, you need to replace your wooden beams and/or columns with new steel I-beams and/or steel columns.
Replacing your existing inadequate cinder block supports with a more engineered steel column to support heavy loads is best practice.
It is very important that your existing concrete piers be properly sized to support your home, according to engineered specifications. Many homes may not have a rotting problem with their beams or columns, but could still be sinking because of improper concrete pier widths and depths.
Common signs of a failing I-beam or support column include:
It’s easy to overlook sill plate damage because many symptoms resemble general foundation issues. Look for these early warning signs around your basement or crawlspace.
Cosmetic stress signs of a failing structural I-beam support or columns are slanting floors, cracks on walls, sticky doors, and/or very squeaky floors. If you have any of these stress signs, you may need to have some structural repair work done in your basement or crawlspace. Old timber beams and columns may not be adequately supporting your home and causing your home floors to slope or slant unevenly.
If your home shows any of these signs, it may be time for beam and column replacement.
Beam & Column Structural Repair Services
American Foundation Repair can repair all types of main wood I-beam supports and columns. We can also raise floors back (to a compromise) level.
Structural Column Repair Installation
The existing wooden I-Beam is temporarily shored to replace the damaged column. The new steel column is 3 1/2″ O.D. (outside diameter) with an adjustable screw to withstand up to 100 tons. We place new concrete piers according to specifications. In some very rare cases we may use existing concrete piers if properly sized.
What to Expect During Beam & Column Replacement
The solution is replacing your damaged wooden beams and or columns with new steel I-beams and columns. Using a professional expert team here at American Foundation Repair we can even raise your floor (to a compromise level).
Structural Steel I-Beam Repair Installation
The floor joist are temporarily shored to remove damage wooden I-Beam and columns. We break up a section of the concrete floor, and excavate to place new concrete piers according to specifications. First we install a steel base at the bottom of the excavated hole. Next we then erect a steel column with an adjustable screw (tested up to 100 tons). Then we place the new steel I- beam (usually from end to end of foundation wall). This will allow us to raise the floor (to a compromise level) using hydraulic rams. Finally the steel base (and added rebar) will get encased in concrete becoming the new concrete pier. Let the professionals at American Foundation Repair do all the work.
Contact American Foundation Repair for Beam & Column Replacement
Schedule your free inspection today with an honest and friendly foundation repair expert consultant. Being a family owned and operated business means we are the best qualified consultants in all of the Chicagoland area. All of our proposals come with a 60 day price guarantee and a transferable warranty bringing peace of mind to you and your family.
No gimmicks, just great service and an expert evaluation from American Foundation Repair.