WTF? Did my contractor critically weaken my floor?
WTF? Did my contractor critically weaken my floor?
(OP)
Must control anger....
I'm building a bathroom in the attic. When planning the job, my contractor suggested I'd have to cut and reinforce the floor joists to make way for the sanitary pipe. I told him he could go under the floor joist, as there is a chase below (above a 2nd storey shower).
Today I arrive home and I see he's gone ahead and cut the joist (joists. 2 actually) anyway. He's "reinforced" them with a cantilever arrangement shown in the attached photo. I haven't done a full analysis, but the joint does not look kosher to me. Can someone here tell me I'm worrying too much, or if not, tell me how I can repair the damage?
For background, the original attic floor joist (real 2x6) sits on the brick exterior wall (under the foam at right) and the center wall of the house (off to the left) for a total span of about 10'. The joist also holds up the knee wall shown, which transfers some of the load down from the roof. I thought it must also tie the roof rafters together, but I don't know how since it isn't very well attached to the joist which spans the other side of the house. Obviously this beam carries a complicated set of loads - I don't think a little 2x4 hanger is adequate to transfer them all!
More photos here: http:
I'm building a bathroom in the attic. When planning the job, my contractor suggested I'd have to cut and reinforce the floor joists to make way for the sanitary pipe. I told him he could go under the floor joist, as there is a chase below (above a 2nd storey shower).
Today I arrive home and I see he's gone ahead and cut the joist (joists. 2 actually) anyway. He's "reinforced" them with a cantilever arrangement shown in the attached photo. I haven't done a full analysis, but the joint does not look kosher to me. Can someone here tell me I'm worrying too much, or if not, tell me how I can repair the damage?
For background, the original attic floor joist (real 2x6) sits on the brick exterior wall (under the foam at right) and the center wall of the house (off to the left) for a total span of about 10'. The joist also holds up the knee wall shown, which transfers some of the load down from the roof. I thought it must also tie the roof rafters together, but I don't know how since it isn't very well attached to the joist which spans the other side of the house. Obviously this beam carries a complicated set of loads - I don't think a little 2x4 hanger is adequate to transfer them all!
More photos here: http:
Talk To Other Members
RE: WTF? Did my contractor critically weaken my floor?
RE: WTF? Did my contractor critically weaken my floor?
Without knowing for certain what the loads are, I would sugget that you attempt to place new joists back that would have equivelant or greater capacity. If possible, going into the chase as you suggest may be the best bet.
Sorry, not much on the fix, but my opinion is that you do have an issue that should be adressed.
RE: WTF? Did my contractor critically weaken my floor?
At this point - he will probably want to slug you. So be it.
Tell him:
Take out the drain
Replace or sister the joist - BTW 2x6's might be marginally OK in this app - probably not.
Replace drain in crawl space as you suggested.
Don't pay him until the work is done correctly.
If you pulled a permit - tell the inspector what was done and have him FLUNK it.
You got screwed.
RE: WTF? Did my contractor critically weaken my floor?
The plumbing will be rerouted under the joists. But repair is going to be tricky. I've covered the outside wall in foam, so I can't lay new joists without considerable demolition. Do you think it's at all possible to splice the cut with 2x6s on either side? If so, where should I look to calculate the overlap and the number of fasteners required?
RE: WTF? Did my contractor critically weaken my floor?
The in-filled piece does nothing for strength, it is just there to be a "wedge" against deflection.
RE: WTF? Did my contractor critically weaken my floor?
Yes, it doesn't look good.