Might be getting a Reefer 450, Structural Integrity?
- Thread starter Leyth
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dragonfisher33
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That's called engineered I-beam, which is typically made out of osb for the webbing if I'm not wrong
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Leyth
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So, this is what I know. I have an HVAC in the basement and an HVAC in the attic. The one in the attic is for the 2nd floor and the one in the basement is for the basement and 1st floor. I believe the basement was finished a while after the house was built. The holes are as you describe, all over the floor.
Now, I did some research earlier and unless I understand it incorrectly, it seems to contradict the idea of holes in the webbing being bad. https://www.nachi.org/forum/f23/holes-wood-truss-floor-joist-44820/
I'm not sure, I can check up close in the morning if needed.
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Leyth
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Won't let me read it without signing up, are you able to copy and paste the text?
That's weird I tried to go back and it did the same for me. I tried again after restarting the browser and it works again but I can't copy the text. Anyways keep trying good info on the holes if assuming the content is correct. Gave some dimensions on material that should remain in the web portion.
I have not read through the entire thread. I am a structural engineer, professional licensed PE and SE (not to show off, only to lend credibility). Those are I-joists you have there, and as I'm sure you've heard, those holes are no good. While they may have been working to date, they absolutely need fixing. Holes are not allowed near the end of the joists, and they are certainly not allowed to be the whole depth of the web (plywood part). The plywood takes all the shear load in the joist, your joists have essentially no shear capacity at this point. Absolutely do not place any large tank on any joists that have those holes present. Small holes of diameter that is less than 1/3 the height of the joist and within the middle 1/3 of the span of the joists are acceptable.
Note, simply placing some plywood and screwing it to the hole may not be an effective solution. The screws and nails that are used to attach the new plywood to the existing joists must be properly sized, spaced, and calculated to take the loads being applied to your floor.
Sorry to be a bummer. I really really very much absolutely super duper recommend you get that checked out by a local structural engineer. Not a framer, not a contractor, but someone that can come out, take measurements, and provide you a code compliant repair that will ensure you and your family are safe.
Note, simply placing some plywood and screwing it to the hole may not be an effective solution. The screws and nails that are used to attach the new plywood to the existing joists must be properly sized, spaced, and calculated to take the loads being applied to your floor.
Sorry to be a bummer. I really really very much absolutely super duper recommend you get that checked out by a local structural engineer. Not a framer, not a contractor, but someone that can come out, take measurements, and provide you a code compliant repair that will ensure you and your family are safe.
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Leyth
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No worries at all, thank you and everyone else for the advice. I will go ahead and look into hiring a structural engineer to come see it in person. I believe the common denominator of everyone's opinion is that those holes are no good. I may be able to put something together to ensure the tank survives. However, the house in the long run is much more of a concern so this will at the least provide some peace of mind. I will report back with how it goes!
