Recent content by billconner

Yes. Look at the two attic photos that depict a truss like structure in the attic, though pretty sure the structure is all the beam on attic floor. Eyebolts through "top chord" with cable attached, down through wall, and wrapped around 2x6 under 2nd floor joists.

Sorry I haven't been able to sketch and about to take off for 9 day canoe trip, so behind. Cables wrap around 2x6 flat under 1st flr ceiling/2nd floor floor joists, through bearing wall which supports 2nd floor ceiling/attic floor joists. I'll try to sketch before I head out.

A beam and rebuilt 2nd floor wall is viable. I have considered a beam under first floor ceiling and maybe "coffering" it. The beam in second floor wall does present the unusual challenge of attaching the joists so they "hang" from it. I guess cable is possible :). A steel "strap" around the...

It's a good question. Clearly added well after initial construction - 1910 house, cables added in 50s or early 60s. I suspect second floor sagged - 2x8s spanning 23-4" - and this was their fix. Original wood lath and plaster appears to be in place on all walls and ceilings. Some covered with...

The beam in the attic is supported on bearing walls at each end.

I was in house Sunday but haven't had a minute to look at photos or do a sketch. The second floor appears to be 2x8 spanning 23 or 24' over living room. Cut a hole in ceiling to see what wire rope was attached to. It's simply wrapped around a 2x6 that is flat and notched into 2x8s. Seems like a...

So back at building, a short look yesterday but plan to be there most of today. Lots of oddities, but what affects this issue is that first floor framing runs parallel with ridge, second floor and attic floor (rafter ties) naturally run perpendicular to ridge. So I don't know what if anything...

As noted above, my son, who will live in this house, installs and services both gas and pellet (and wood and coal) stoves. From google "Heating with a pellet stove is significantly cheaper than using propane, often costing roughly $15 to $22 per Million BTUs (MMBTUs) compared to $35 to $50+ per...

That occurred to me. Make that wall a truss. Might be you could strip plaster and just attach plywood to both sides - a big "box beam" - but still problem of supporting second floor joists. The structure seems less the problem than holding it all in place while doing it. The span in the...

I think it was the barn that first caught my eye. What really sealed it is this is a 100+ acre farm that was deeded to a land trust, and they cut 2 acres - minimum - with all the buildings on it - just about dead center of the 100+. Woods and some fields and a nice pond that will never see...

I didn't measure but I'd say about 6'-4' to clear under 12' beams upon which sit 12" joists. Pictures from Zillow of house and barn exterior, and barn 3rd and 4th floor. Barn - by pacing - is approx 75 x 35. I will look at removing third floor (second framed) to make double height main floor...

Plan to be back there this weekend just to survey.

@carlaisle You have it stacked correctly. the living room is about 24 x 13, so my supposition is it was two rooms each 12 x 13, though no signs. Floor is continuous and ceiling looks flat throughout. But I do know a one story addition with dining room was added at some point. Someday I'll have...

I'll sketch it, photo from side, and post next week. If it's a truss it's a Howe truss with on big Vierendeel section in center.

Everything above the triple 2x12 beam is toenailed. Not the usual means of connecting truss memebers.