| Is it possible to lower beam?
I built a home 2 years ago and I have 2 places where the floor seems "raised". These areas run along a beam that is supported by concrete block columns. I guess they have always been a little higher than the rest of the floor, but are just now showing up (ie. hardwood gaps, cracked tile). This is only happening along the beams. I went under the house and didn't see any signs of foundation problems (cracks in block). The beams in question run approx. 25-30ft and are supported every 6ft on concrete block columns with a footer. The beam is composed of 3 2x12's. My question is this: is it possible to lower this beam to alleviate this problem? I would have get the hydraulic jacks and replace the board (currently a 2x12 laying flat) with one that is planed down a 1/16" or 1/8". I know from reading not to move more than 1/8" a day, but I couldn't find any info on lowering just raising. Thanks in advance for you help.
FYI-the house has a crawlspace, lowest temp I have saw down there is 55 F in winter.
Ray  |