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re: Removing a section of a load-bearing wall to open it up

Posted on 12/20/19 at 8:16 am to
Posted by MoarKilometers
Member since Apr 2015
17884 posts
Posted on 12/20/19 at 8:16 am to
quote:

When I started digging, I see that a massive beam is already there underneath the top plate. I'm not sure how long it is because I haven't gutted that much yet but the majority of the termite damage is to the studs. The bottom plate (as someone said earlier, is treated) has almost no damage whatsoever. There are a couple studs (including the big ones (king/jack/whatever they're called) that have significant damage and will need to be replaced regardless of whether or not I decide to renovate now. Depends on how much more damage I uncover and how much it sets me back.

quote:

Yea I started investigating further in there this afternoon and learned a beam is already in place in that section. Google images from 2008 show a large garage door in that section. I was thrilled until I saw some termite damage. Looks old and I don’t see any live termites but there’s damage nonetheless and my priority changed immediately. Now I’m focused on finding all the damage and treating again. Not taking that wall down anymore since all my money will apparently go towards repairing the damage

Ok, so it appears that originally it was a garage that got closed in? What shape is the header in? Good news is the non end jacks should be irrelevant, as they were added only as something to attach sheathing or drywall to after they wanted to close in the garage door opening.

So if the preexisting header is in good shape, you're actually in a really good place. It will only require replacing the rot on the 2 ends. I'd absolutely still add temp bracing while removing the end jacks/kings, but you can use a pair of 2x4s nailed together placed under the header to temporarily carry weight as you replace the rotten pieces. Having the extra support every 16 inches is awesome, but I wouldn't solely rely on them at all... even without termite damage

But seriously, take some gd pictures next time.
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