Knot in Beam

[John.Noble]

I overlooked a 2 inch knot in one of my new 2X12 wood beams (facing down, of course), making my 2X12 the equivalent of a 2X10. Can I use a certain size of gang nail plate over the knot to strengthen that area, or is that pointless or will make it worse? I can only attach to one side as the other side is connected to additional sistered 2X12s. Thank you!

 

[Caman]

If it really is that bad just sister another 2x12 on the side you can reach and place more stud on each end, definitely won't hurt.

 

[DekeT]

Good luck driving a plate or nail into that notch. However if you sized it correctly for the grade and species of lumber you should not have a problem.

 

[firecracker]

Good luck driving a plate or nail into that notch. However if you sized it correctly for the grade and species of lumber you should not have a problem.

My thoughts ^^^^^^^^^

 

[rlitman]

If the beam is sistered with glue and nails like it should be, it is not making it the equivalent of a 2x10 at all. If it makes you feel better, you could certainly sister something on the exposed side (adding something on the other side is a total waste).

Your nail plate idea isn't a bad one. I'd use a plate that takes regular nails, and nail straight through both 2x12s. Just don't try to put any nails through the knot.

 

[John.Noble]

It's glued and properly nailed, yes, with a 1/2" Ply in the middle of both 2X12s. I wanted to go 20', but the sizing specs were off the charts, even on LVLs, so I added a vertical support at 10', in the middle of the garage. (supports 20' X 20' garage roof)

Thanks!

 

[Cyberbear]

In the future remember knots that large should be on the top edge, if at all.

 

[John.Noble]

Right, and I'm hand picking out my lumber the day before (when special delivery is needed). They delivered other junk too, but I caught those in time. Thanks