Beam & Column Replacement Services
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. It’s very important to keep the I-beam fully supported since it takes on a load bearing weight from the floor(s) above. 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. Failing to support your floors and walls properly will result in cosmetic and structural damage. 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).
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.
Common signs of a failing I-beam or support column include:
- Slanting or uneven floors
- Cracks in walls
- Sticky doors and windows
- Squeaky floors
If your home shows any of these signs, it may be time for beam and column replacement.
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.
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.
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.
Beam & Column Structural Repair Services
- Sloping Floors Upstairs
- Uneven Floors In Old Home
- Downward Bows on Wood Beam or Dipping
- Rotting Columns Especially at Bottom of Base
- Cinder Block Support Columns | Cracked
- Improperly Installed Engineered Concrete Piers
- No Concrete Piers Existing
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
- Inspection and Planning: Before starting, a thorough inspection is done to determine which beams or columns are compromised.
- Shoring and Removal: Temporary supports (shoring) are placed to prevent structural collapse during the process.
- Replacement Process: The team will install new steel beams or columns and ensure they meet engineered specifications.
- Post-Installation Cleanup: After the replacement, we’ll restore the area, including concrete pouring and surface refinishing.
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. Get a professional assessment of your problem and NEVER cross-sales or up sales. Receive a complimentary written proposal provided on-site or delivered in a timely manner by email. 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. A family owned and operated company since 1986.
