Posted: 9/6/2011 4:48:11 PM EDT
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So...
If i make a repair, can I remove/replace exactly what I have, or do I have to do the repair "to code" TL; DR summary Need to replace rotten girder on front porch. Existing girder is (2) 2x8s between two columns spaced 8' 6" apart. Best I can tell code would require a 2x10. I could use a 2x10 but that would look stupid given the design of the porch unless I wanted to replace the other side that doesn't need replacing. |
| Just make the repair....f*ck the permits. I build structures all the time and get a copy of the local requirements and often "overbuild" them as some counties are real stupid and only want your $. After 6 yrs of of this I've never been inspected nor had an issue. Don't buy into you have to do the county's way....it's still a free country, just be smart ;-) |
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Did you get any deflection with the (2) 2x8's?
existing after a few years of use? If not I doubt there is an issue. 1. Could a 4x8 be used in their place? You could also use an engineered wood product like an LVL or a similar larger / same size member but wider than 3" to be sure. (2) 2X10's would probabally suffice for margin's sake. It also depends upon your live and dead load. Do yo feel any bounce or deflection in the existing porch? 2. Depending upon where you live the Pier to Girder connection(s) could be important ie: siezmic if you live in and area that is active unlike lets say Kansas for an example. If you are planning on selling it anytime soon repairing it to code would be a good Idea if there is an inspector that will be involved. There are prone to knit pick. I think it will really depend on where you live. I've seen alot of retrofitted structural members and thier connections half assed rigged and I've seen it done right. If you live in some parts of the country a permit could be a real pain it the ass for a simple repair. It could be costly with no or minimal gain. And a drain on your pocketbook. |