Moving an Existing 10 ft beam up/over? (Window--> Doors)

6 years ago

Is it complicated to move an existing beam up (around 3-6 inches) or over (around 6-12 inches) on a wall? We are working on replacing (very heavy iron windows) with some kind of patio doors. (see other questions here). The beam is 10 ft long. It is too low to use as is for a door. And we'd prefer to center the new french/slider/folding doors on the wall (and removing the existing windows and door).

We understand the structural costs on putting beams in is quite expensive, but wonder if since we already have beams, if our costs would significantly less for engineering plans, etc.

Thank you!

Featured Answer

ksc36

6 years ago

That's pretty simple framing and shouldn't require an engineer. The money will be in the interior and exterior finishes and the cost of the doors.

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Comments (8)

catinthehat
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
If you want patio doors that beam will need to be replaced. This doesn’t look terribly difficult, your contractor may have to disturb parts of your ceiling to put up temporary framing to remove and replace the beam.
connietext thanked catinthehat
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connietext
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for your comment, @catinthehat ! Can you explain why the beam would need to be replaced. We understand that it is very expensive to bring beams in and as a cost savings are hoping to use the one that is there. It is 10 ft long.

Disturbing the ceiling for relocating the beam would be fine--we are considering opening up the ceiling for a more industrial look.
clt3
6 years ago
It's just a simple header. You can reuse it or get a new one. Not expensive.
ksc36
6 years ago
The existing header would be undersized to span 10', it is presently supported mid span. You'd probably need to upgrade to an LVL depending on the roof span and possible snow loads. No one here can tell you the sizing based on the pictures, but the cost of an appropriate 10' header would be less than $200.
connietext
Original Author
6 years ago
@ksc36 Thanks so much! We had some folks come and give and estimate and the header costs increased the project cost by like 10K or something crazy. Maybe I am confused. This was when we thought we wanted to put in a 14 ft trifold door. We are downscaling and trying to keep the total remodel budget under $10K max, preferably a lot less. [the existing header measures 10 feet ...can you explain what you mean about it being undersized? I believe you--just trying to learn;)] . Thanks again!
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
It doesn't matter how long the existing beam is; what matters is the span (distance between supports). The beam is currently spanning 5 ft. and you want it to span 10 ft. or more. That will almost certainly require a taller beam and the roof must be supported while it is being installed.

Someone needs to design a beam for the larger span. If its a pair of LVLs, it should be designed by an engineer but the local lumberyard can probably get the manufacturer to provide a stamped drawing.

To design the beam requires more information like the climate (snow load if any) wall thickness, and the span of the roof framing it supports. The supporting jack studs will need to be doubled.
ci_lantro
6 years ago
Res, there is a palm tree peeking over the top of the roof so it is safe to assume that snow load isn't a factor.

What is the width of the proposed replacement door? What shingling is on the roof? Wood, concrete or architectural asphalt shingles?