The Problem
A home in West Sayville, NY had a serious problem with three floor joists supporting the floor above.
The middle joist had been cut in the center of its approximately 13-foot span. A makeshift lumber repair had been installed after the joist was cut, but it did not provide the proper structural support needed for the floor system.
The long span between the two foundation walls also added to the problem. At approximately 13 feet, the span was significant for the existing 8-inch lumber. The damaged joists had also contributed to movement and settlement in the floor above.
The goal was not only to repair the damaged framing but also to provide stronger support for the floor system and improve the level of the floor as much as reasonably possible.
The Solution
The Zavza Seal team first removed and disposed of the improperly installed makeshift lumber around the damaged joist.
We then addressed all three joists as part of the structural repair.
Joist 1 and Joist 3:
We sistered the two outside joists with new structural members. Sistering adds another member alongside an existing joist to strengthen the floor framing and help distribute the load.
Joist 2:
Because the middle joist had been cut and could not be properly restored, we removed the remaining damaged portion. We then replaced it with two new joists installed together as a stronger assembly.
Adding Steel Support
Because the joists had a span of approximately 13 feet between the foundation walls, simply doubling the lumber was not considered enough for the required repair.
Our team drilled the required holes and installed steel plates to sandwich the structural lumber, following the project design.
This steel reinforcement provided additional support to the repaired framing and helped address the long-span condition.
Lifting the Settled Floor
The damaged framing had affected the floor above, which had settled over time.
Our team carefully lifted the joists and floor structure as much as reasonably possible without causing additional damage to the home.
Floor settlement that develops over a long period cannot always be corrected completely in one repair. Trying to force a settled structure back to its original position can cause damage to finishes, walls, ceilings, doors, and other parts of the house.
For this reason, our team used a controlled approach and focused on improving the floor while protecting the existing structure.
Creating New Foundation Support
To complete the structural repair, we formed and created foundation pockets for the new joists.
These pockets allowed the replacement framing to properly bear on the foundation walls rather than relying on the previous makeshift repair.
Providing proper bearing at the ends of structural members is an important part of a durable floor framing repair. The International Residential Code includes requirements for the bearing and support of structural members in residential construction. International Code Council
The Result
The West Sayville project replaced the failed makeshift repair with a more substantial structural support system.
The completed work included:
- Removal of improperly installed temporary lumber
- Sistering of two existing floor joists
- Replacement of the damaged middle joist
- Installation of two new sandwiched joists
- Steel plate reinforcement
- Controlled lifting of the settled floor
- Creation of foundation pockets for the new joists
- Improved structural support across the approximately 13-foot span
The goal was not simply to replace damaged lumber. It was to create a stronger support system that addressed the damaged joists, the long span and the settlement affecting the floor above.
A Careful Approach to Floor Leveling
Structural floor repairs require more than simply lifting a floor as high as possible.
When a floor has been settled for a long time, other parts of the house may have adjusted to that position. Raising it too quickly or too far can create new problems.
At this West Sayville home, Zavza Seal used a controlled lifting process and made every reasonable effort to improve the floor level without putting unnecessary stress on the existing structure.
Conclusion
This West Sayville, NY project involved a damaged middle floor joist, weakened supporting members and a long span between foundation walls.
Zavza Seal removed the improper repair, strengthened the surrounding joists, replaced the damaged center joist, added steel reinforcement and created new foundation pockets for proper support.
The result was a stronger and more reliable floor framing system designed to better support the floor above.
If you have a sagging floor, damaged floor joists or improperly repaired structural framing in your Long Island home, a professional structural assessment can help identify the cause and determine the right repair approach.