Support pole inspection, possibly replacement

[joseywales]

We have a 7'6" garage ceiling height and the support pole concerns me. Some rust and degradation, even though it doesn't get wet often. Anyway, would prefer a trained eye to review it. And, if needed to replace, I'd prefer support beams instead.

- Who does one call (trust) to have a support pole inspected?
- The pole is in the middle of the garage, so how would support beams work here? One beam could go where these pole is, wall to wall. And another closer to the basement wall, but there's no clearance for a third beam above the garage doors. Am I over thinking this and only one replacement beam is necessary. Above the garage is a 400sf great room, used as a game room. Pool table, etc.

 

[billconner]

Without a plan and dimensions, hard to give specific answers, but beam is likely to be very deep. Not as sure if current column as supports a beam with second floor joists into side of it or across top of it, but if top of new beam is at 7'-6", I doubt you'll have head clearance if wood (LVL).

The new beam could run either way. You'd like shortest but you also have to add support the ends, with columns next to or in walls - so don't place it so end is in a garage door or any door or window if possible.

You need help on site or pictures and dimensions.

 

[BillK]

A picture is worth a thousand words

 

[CraigStu]

I suspect you are going to find that living w/ a new pole to replace the old one is the best plan. The trouble w/ a beam is two fold. First it will stick down below the existing garage ceiling 12-16 inches. Second the garage floor was made to support that pole. A beam needs to be supported at it's ends. And whatever floor is in that area now isn't designed/built to carry that load.

 

[PoorUB]

I would assume that removing the column and adding a load carrying beam will be very time consuming and expensive. There is most likely a beam over that pole already, but it is designed to carry a shorter span using the column in the middle. Replacement would involve cutting out that beam and replacing it with something wider and taller to carry the weight. Plus plumbing and electrical add to the frustration!

The other day I watched a TV show where they put up a beam of three microlam beams with two 1/4" steel plates sandwiched between the microlams all bolted together.

As for inspecting it, that may be a bit trouble some too. It may be simpler to figure out which way the floor joists above are running, install a temporary wall on either side of the column and replace it with something similar or better.

 

[PugetDude]

Post a picture of the support pole. It may be a Lally Column (concrete-filled pipe), in which case surface rust probably isn't a problem.

 

[nadogail]

Google "House Jack adjustable"