Floor fiasco!!

[barbarajon]

I agree with GothicHome if none of the floor structure is rooting then adding a few support footings under the main beams or where there is a long Span between supports. Would save a lot of money and efforts.

[lupinfarm]

Hi Barbarajohn.... Unfortunately the long beam that is supported on
Stones has dry rot at one end and several of the joists(beams) running
Off it also have dry rot. But I see your point and perhaps we can just
Replace the damaged wood.

[shazapple]

The concrete idea is good, but then there is no place for your heat ducts and pipes. Can you dig down a bit to give you some room to run pipes and whatnot (and perhaps access them in the future). This would also give you room to lay rigid insulation (expanded polystyrene) and a vapour barrier on the ground and against the foundation, which would make for a much warmer floor.

I would eliminate the existing structure due to rot, and go with a proper joist setup. Professionals aren't needed, just access to the National Building Code and the urge to learn and read. A book I highly recommend that you buy is the Canadian Wood Frame Construction book which talk simplifies the tables in the NBC for the average homeowner.

I have no idea what the size of the room is, but the above book would easily tell you the size of floor joists you need (i'm guessing 2x6). They would either rest on top of the foundation (depending on the height of the adjacent floor and if you want a step in your floor) or attached the joists to a ledger board which is bolted to the side of the foundation (there are screws made specifically for anchoring into concrete), or a combo of both.

[lupinfarm]

shazapple............The room measures 17ft by 20 ft and there is a 12ftx 6ft by 8ft deep cistern under a portion of the room.
Thanks for the book recommendation. I think it would be possible to dig down, but the foundation doesn't appear to be more than about 8 inches deep. Hoping I am wrong on that. I kind thought when I first saw
the existing structure that it would need to be replaced. It doesn't work anymore as it is all out of level and the floor goes up
and down in waves, making furniture placement problematic, to say the least.
Thank you again....I am feeling much better about tackling the job myself.

[shazapple]

It is put out by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp, so I'm not sure if there is just one author. If the foundation doesn't look cracked or hasn't settled I'd imagine it goes deeper than 8". Just from looking at a copy of the book I have your floor would call for a beam down the centre with 2x6 floor joists (so, similar to your current setup, but built right side up!). If you read through the book it gives examples of how to figure this out, the joist spacing, what type of nails to use and how many, etc etc.

[lupinfarm]

shazapple.............Thanks again for the help. I will be getting a copy of the book on Friday when I go into town.

[gluby174]

If I read this right ,I would lay new beams next to the exsisting beams,(2x8's or 2x10's) does not matter if the old ones are dryrotted or not,as far as the concrete foundation not being the same height,that allso not a problem,you will notch out the bottom of the beams ,they will sit on the ledge of the masonary,this term is called sizing,you will be creating a straight plane/line along the top for your flooring,if the floor is sloping or out of level ,find your lowest point and work up from there to level around the room.I generally snap chalk lines or use a masonary line to work to.You can add blocking in areas for extra support or nailers.Basicly the floor is free floating next to the old,hope that all makes sence,harder for me to write then do the work,Gene

[kecleveland]

I agree with Gluby about adding new joists next the the existing ones. Make sure you use absolute minimum 2x8 joists...2x10 would be best. Try to get the new joists about 16" on center. If the foundation is deep enough you can add a ledger board on the foundation and below the new joists for support. Joist hangers might work too, but I'm not certain. Good luck.

[lupinfarm]

Hi All.... Sorry I have not responded earlier but my Husband is In the
Hospital having suffered a possible stroke two wweeks ago. The doctors
Still arent sure of the diagnosis and are treating the symptoms only.
He suffered weakness down his left side and has difficulty speaking.
He cannot work and will be in the current hospital for a month.
This has left us in a dire way financially as he didn't have health
Insurance due to being a cancer survivor. We will probably have
To declare bancruptcy as we are unable to pay our credit card debts
Or taxes. We are unable to sell the house as we would have to
Fix all the things (visible) that don't comply with "code".
Will be updating you on my continuing"floor" problems as there
Is still old flooring deck to remove.

[pqtex]

That's a big wallop. I'll keep you and your husband in my thoughts. I know you can't help but worry, but just take one day at a time. Good luck, and I hope he improves rapidly.