Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: rotted rim joist replacement

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Carpentry and Framing
Remote Name: 207.82.209.121
Date: 22 Dec 2002
Time: 01:07 AM

Comments

First, anytime you remove a structural member (especially on a 2-story home), such as the rotted 12' rim joist that you describe, you must provide suitable bracing and support of the second story so it doesn't settle or collapse as you remove the bad section. Only a direct inspection would reveal the best way to support the structure. Furthermore, wood should never come in direct contact with cement block walls, including slump block. The concrete is porous and absorbs moisture, which transfers to the wood, causing eventual decay. Any lumber with over 15% moisture content should be cause for alarm. Decay starts as the moisture content reaches past 20%+. We're also concerned about the condition of the sill plate and whether that's made from pressure-treated lumber or untreated lumber. We recommend in this case that you work alongside an experienced contractor with the proper tools and experience to brace the structure. Furthermore, you'll need to replace the rotted wood with something more resistant, such as some type of pressure-treated lumber or borate-treated wood.

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