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I am in the process of reinforcing my 16 wide by 12 long deck 6 feet above grade. I am adding a (3) 2 by 10 beam near the end, 10 ft from ledger board. This deck has been suspended by (2) 4by4 posts at the 12 ft end. I am surprised that it has not collapsed, perhaps since it does not get any use after building the patio below 8 years ago.
The new beam with three 2by10 on 6by6 post 10.5 ft apart should support the existing 2by8 12 foot joists to Code. 10.5ft is the max span for 2by8 and the new beam is at 10ft. This leaves overhangs of 2 and 2.5 feet on the 3 sides.
I can foresee problems building the beam on the ground and then lifting it onto the notch of the 6by6 post. Planning to lift each 2by10 individually, securing it first, then lifting the second, then lag bolt those two, lift the third, continue with the lag bolts. Then slide the notched 6by6 underneath the beam while lifting the deck up a bit with a hydraulic jack.
The bottom of the existing 2by8 are nearly level, 0.5 inch error at most using a 6 foot long level. Hence, will have to shim the gaps between new beam and existing joists.
Is shimming these gaps OK?
Robert Illan
Huntsville, AL USA
Robert Illan
Huntsville, AL USA
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