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wood ceiling beam repair

17 years ago

I have a exposed wood ceiling beam that is the focus of the living room and it seem to be low on one end. I can see where it used to connect to the top of the ceiling. How would I safely raise this beam to reconnect with the ceiling. Please help with any information. I would like to do myself as my funds are very low. I had to purchase this home after Hurricanne Katrina & Rita and at the time it was the best I could do. This is really my only concern with the house. Thank you for any information.

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Comments (4)

airqual_guy
17 years ago
We'll need some more info, regal.

Is this a true load-bearing beam, with some serious heavy duty lumber, or is a faux (fake) beam. Faux beams are often just simple box beams (hollow) made up of light lumber and finished to look like a single large beam.

If it were a real loadbearing beam, it does not seem likely it could drop down from the ceiling. If the beam is supposed to be supporting the ceiling, the ceiling ought to drop with the beam.

You may be able to tell if it's a loadbearing beam by looking at what's above it. If the ends of ceiling joists, or second-floor joists, are perpendicular to and resting on top of the beam, it's a loadbearing member, and sagging indicates a problem that needs to be addressed.
mightyanvil
17 years ago
If it is loadbearing I recommend calling an experienced carpenter or contractor to do the work since it will involve restoring the structural integrity of the house.

If is is fake you still need to worry that it could fall and hurt someone. Put safety first.
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We've never had an issue with our ceilings ... they're 7'9" to the bottom of the beams, 8'5" to the second floor subfloor (shiplap that acts as the ceiling for the first floor in that part of the house). It doesn't feel cramped or low or like the ceiling is coming down. The summer beam comes down lower (to the tops of door frames). I don't have a floor-to-ceiling picture on here, but this is the ceiling: Summer beam in the middle of the picture; the door is a standard door. Obviously these are all structural. I find these ceilings to be open and plenty high, but you might have a different perspective if you're accustomed to 9' ceilings. I also don't feel cramped by 7'6" ceilings; they feel normal and in scale with the rooms of that portion of the house.
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kudzu9
17 years ago
Wedge a properly sized 2 X 4 under the low end until you get this fixed. It will be cheap insurance to help keep everyone safe and prevent any (further?) damage.
ekmcduffie_bellsouth_net
13 years ago
Our local VFW Post(Memphis) was given a building. It has a load bearing beam that has rotten or just given up. It sags and causes the (flat)roof to leak. It is currently propped up with a wooden beam. We do not think we have the expertise to fix it but we are also short on funds. Any ideas. The beam looks to be 8"x12", it was made originally from large thick boards. Can we jack it up, patch it on both sides with boards and put a column under it?

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