OP
OP
I think the two walls by my tank are load bearing because they are to the outside.
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The Floor Joist Headache (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Reefahholic
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Tangs
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I am on the same boat. I need a new furnace and the furnace guy cant get over what is holding my tank up. I should get a basement joist to go under it.
OP
OP
If you have a basement, it is really easy to put extra support under the tank.
Tangs
Guest
Ya that is what I plan to do one of these days. What makes it even worse is that I have had lots of salt water in the basement events that have weakened the strength of the wood.
OP
OP
Well...make sure you brace it up good!
Tangs
Guest
Ya plus it is in front of my bay window... I sometimes have to lay on top of the aquarium cabinet to get areas to clean and paint the bay window. Ever hear of demon drop. ..It is on my to do list. I am just too busy having fun.
Tangs
Guest
I think It is only on 1 joist. The 125 is running the same way an the sometimes salt water soaked joist. Over the 23 years it has been there. I will go to hd next week. See if I can get 2 metal joist supports.
OP
OP
Or some 4x4’s
Cody
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Sorry if it’s a stupid question, but can’t you just use a stud finder to find which way the joists are going? I skimmed through the thread again and I didn’t see where you figured out for sure which way they’re going.
Tangs
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I can see the joists in my basement
The basement is not finished. I use it for storage.. I am in the process of taking down a 20 foot by 20 foot model railway.
The basement is not finished. I use it for storage.. I am in the process of taking down a 20 foot by 20 foot model railway.
Tangs
Guest
The 4 by 4 is a great idea and thanks
I would not have to wedge them in. I would cut the 4 by 4s
just shy of what I need. Then use 2 thick 90 degree metal supports at the top. Screw them into the joist first.
I would not have to wedge them in. I would cut the 4 by 4s
just shy of what I need. Then use 2 thick 90 degree metal supports at the top. Screw them into the joist first.
OP
OP
You could, but you'd need a really high dollar unit. All the stud finders I've used on simple walls of sheetrock seem to never give good accurate readings. Maybe because I bought them too cheap. Then if you have carpet, a foam pad, a lot of drywall screws, flashing, metal clips, etc...I can only assume it would most likely be difficult to find the studs or joists.
Till now, I'm stull unsure of which way the run. I've located the drywall screws (marked with blue tape) and feel like I have an idea, but who knows.
OP
OP
Tangs is lucky because he can actually get under the floor and look. I can only guess or pull the dang carpet up which will mess it up.
Cody
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Rip up the carpet and pad or start drilling holes in your floors to confirm joist locations!!!
OP
OP
I wish I had a large x-ray of the floor. I'd definitely know for sure just by seeing all the nails and metal.
Cody
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Maybe make friends with someone that has a metal detector? hahaI wish I had a large x-ray of the floor. I'd definitely know for sure just by seeing all the nails and metal.
Tangs
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Hey my name is Allie and I am a Cockapoo. This is a recent picture of me and I just turned 16 last Tuesday...cool eh. I do not need a stud finder. I can walk under my bungalo in a basement. I can look up and see the joist that holds up the main floor. Today I am off to hd and see what they got to get the job done. No demon drop for this dude.
OP
OP
I tried to cut through a 4x4 once. My skill saw wouldn't make it through. The blade was not deep enough. Keep that in mind when you head to Home Depot.
One thing you can do and you still get a decent cut is to cut from more than one side until you make it through. If I remember correctly...I think I had to make 4 cuts (one on each side) to get though.
A big table saw will cut it.
Tangs
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Ya I have a skill saw and table saw. I will have to be careful while working under the aquarium in the basement. I have had it flooded down there from my aquarium many times. I like to hide the water line but sometimes get leaks up there. Plugged up hanging over edge filters is what I use plus other situations. I do not want the work that I will be doing to be the straw that broke the camels (joist) back.
Tangs
Guest
Today I got a 12 foot by 4 by 4. I will take a measurement and cut in the middle cus I want 2 posts. As well I got plastic mounts for the bottom.
Don't want the salt to rot the bottoms and keep them from sliding. I think it is around 6 feet 4 high. I think I can use exterior 2 by 4's to build it up a bit at the top or base but not both. If not something pressure treated.
Don't want the salt to rot the bottoms and keep them from sliding. I think it is around 6 feet 4 high. I think I can use exterior 2 by 4's to build it up a bit at the top or base but not both. If not something pressure treated.
