How to Replace Rotted Floor Beams

Rotted floor joists may be caused by a variety of reasons. Although strong, joists can be damaged by extensive exposure to water or by insects, such as termites. When a floor begins to sag, it may be due to a rotted floor joist. Before making a repair, ensure that the water leak is fixed, or insects that may be damaging the wood are removed from the home. Replacing a floor joist is time-consuming work that requires good carpentry skills.

4-by-6
Rafter tie
Screws
Drill
4-by-6 post
6-by-6 post
1/4 inch steel plate
Jacks
Jigsaw
Lumber
16d nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Attach a 4-by-6 that spans the width of the entire floor to the floor joists using a rafter tie and screws.
- 2
  Place a 4-by-6 post on the floor with a 6-by-6 post on top directly under the 4-by-6 attached to the floor joists.
- 3
  Place a 1/4 inch steel plate underneath each floor jack.
- 4
  Crank the jack so that it is tight to the 4-by-4 piece of wood on the floor joists.
- 5
  Raise the jack 1/4 inch each day until the floor joists are supported. You should not hear any noise or cracking.
- 6
  Cut the nails holding the rotted floor joist in place and slide it out from the 4-by-6 brace. You may need to cut it in half to do so.
- 7
  Cut a new piece of wood that is the same size as the old floor joist using a saw.
- 8
  Slide the new floor joist in place. Hammer it to the sill plates at each end of the joist to secure it in place using 16d nails.
- 9
  Lower the jack 1/4 inch each day to release the tension of the jacks slowly. Remove the 4-by-6 from the floor joists.

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