Floor joist sagging over walkout basement window

7 years ago

Older house with cinder block basement walls. Not sure of the history, but at some point large (6' wide x 4' tall) windows were added such that the top of the window sits flush with the top of the block basement wall, therefore the sill plate sits is basically the top frame for the window.

They sistered 3-2x10 rim joist, so plenty of strength there, but since the floor joist are sitting directly on the still plate, with no support, the window frame has stated to sag slightly.

The rim joist is being replaced due to a poorly installed deck, causing rot, so what can I do about the still plate while I'm in there? Just use standard joist hangers for the floor joists on the rim joist instead of relying on the still for support over the window?

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PRO

Joseph Corlett, LLC

7 years ago

That has got to be one of the most hillbilly window installations I've ever seen. You can't do it like that. You need a header, not a sill plate, to transfer the load from the ceiling joists to jack and king studs to the foundation.

Maybe you can find an engineer willing to stamp a steel header that would fit. If not, the window will have to be lowered to accommodate a wood header.

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Comments (8)

millworkman
7 years ago
Pictures? I think I know what you are getting at but not sure.
Jacob Hermance
Original Author
7 years ago
Q
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Jacob Hermance
Original Author
7 years ago
Hard to get a good picture as I already have my carrying beam and Jack up to replace the rim joist. But basically those floor joists are sitting on only an unsupported still plate, causing sagging
Jacob Hermance
Original Author
7 years ago
Well that whole wall is cinder block, so there won't be true Jack and king framing.

But yes, it should have an actual header to support the load. I'm thinking I can throw some C channel or something over the span to support the floor joists?

Funny enough I'm an engineer, can't put a stamp on this though.
ksc36
7 years ago
If this is true, " They sistered 3-2x10 rim joist" all you need to do is straighten those few joists and install joist hangers. The joists will now hang from the repaired triple 2x10 header (as long as the header is bearing on the foundation).
teddytoo
7 years ago
I’m dying...”hillbilly window installation”...Joseph Corlett, LLC, you made my night!
PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
6 years ago
As Joe and KSC said, install beam hangers so the load is transferred onto the header, not the window. This is a typical basement window installation, the rim joist above the window should be doubled.