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Rules of thumb for temporary shoring

13K views 9 replies 7 participants last post by  Windycity  
#1 ·
Are there some rules of thumb for temporary support walls to replace or install a beam in a ceiling? Clearly, I can build a temporary stud wall with lumber placed on 16" centers. However, I want to minimize the amount of lumber waste as I don't always have a need or want to transport store the lumber for a period of time. Can I increase my stud spacing? Does using post shores make a difference in spacing?

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#2 ·
It depends on the load, single-story house 24 inches on center, I’ve had several projects where I had to build a temporary wall in the basement to support the temporary wall I was putting in above!

Sometimes when you try to save a buck it could cost you thousands !
 
#5 ·
Thanks. I'm definitely not trying to skimp on support!

The current project is about a 150 year old victorian with 1 1/2 stories and a slate roof above so there is probably a fair amount of weight above. The current beam is failing (exacerbated by a tree that fell on the house). I have reached out to the engineer who did the beam spec to provide a detailed shoring plan. Hopefully, I can by without having to shore up the basement as there are layers of ceiling and mechanicals in the way. I like the idea of a temporary beam to give access to bring the new beam into place. It might also limit the amount of shoring in the basement if I have to.

This will be the third beam install I have done this year and I have another potential one on the horizon. It doesn't happen consistently enough, especially with space constraints to invest in too much equipment at this point.