Underlay beam wood or metal

A wooden joist may be placed beneath the floor joists. This is used to support the joists, shortening their span, preventing sagging and instability of the floor and joists.

• If no defects are noted in the wooden joist, it is satisfactory and provides strength and stability to the floor and joists. The entire structure can function perfectly.
• A wooden joist naturally has a bearing in the foundation, and is also supported by one or more masonry piles. This support provides the joist with greater stability and strength. Due to the span and the dimensions of the joist, this support would have been necessary. In itself, it's an excellent and well-functioning solution that can be retained.
• A wooden joist naturally has a support in the foundation, and it is also supported by one or more structures . This support provides the joist with greater stability and strength. Due to the span and the dimensions of the joist, this support would have been necessary. The most common and stable support is a masonry foundation pile ; supports should be checked periodically for strength and stability.
• If any saddle is noticed in the wooden underlay beam: this may cause the floor to slope at the top or to 'move' only to a limited extent when an excessive load is applied.
• If the wooden joist does not have sufficient support at the bearings and/or at the piles: this can easily be improved by applying underlayment mortar.
  • Undercutting is the filling of the (small) space between construction components.
  • It is recommended to lift the beams slightly using a car jack or wedge, for example, and then fix the opening with a hard PVC spacer, after which the mortar can be applied.
• A wooden joist has a support in the foundation: if wood rot is noticed on this support, an attempt can be made to repair it and/or a steel angle can be mounted under the joist on the foundation to take over its function as a support.

A metal underlay beam is usually used to support the floor joists with the aim of shortening the span of the floor joists, which prevents sagging and instability of the floor and joists

• If no defects are noted in the metal joist, it is satisfactory and provides strength and stability to the floor and joists. The entire structure can function properly.
• The metal joist is automatically supported by one or more masonry piles . This support provides the joist with greater stability and strength. Due to the span and the dimensions of the joist, this support would have been necessary. It's an excellent and well-functioning solution that can be retained.
• The metal joist is automatically supported by one or more structures in the foundation. This support provides the joist with greater stability and strength. Due to the span and the dimensions of the joist, this support would have been necessary. The most common and stable support is a masonry foundation, but this must be checked periodically for strength and stability.
• If any saddle is noticed in the metal underlay beam: this may cause the floor to slope at the top or to 'move' only to a limited extent when an excessive load is applied.

• If the metal underlay beam has insufficient support at the bearing and/or at the piles: this can easily be improved by applying underlayment mortar.
  • Undercutting is the filling of the (small) space between construction components.
  • It is recommended to lift the beams slightly using a car jack or wedge, for example, and then fix the opening with a hard PVC spacer, after which the mortar can be applied.
• A metal underlay beam is rusting to a limited extent; this rust can now easily be removed and the metal protected with a coating.
  • The material can be improved with a wire brush and sandpaper.
  • Get informed about the correct primers (paint system) to protect the material.
• A metal beam is severely rusting, thickening and weakening the material. Repairing it isn't easy, but it is still possible. After derusting, the metal must be protected with a coating.
  • Using a putty knife and paint scraper, remove the worst of the rust and thickened materials.
  • The material can be further improved with a wire brush and sandpaper.
  • Get informed about the correct primers (paint system) to protect the material.
• A metal joist is severely rusting, the material has weakened, and we believe repair will be impossible at some point. Alternatively, it might be better and more sustainable to replace the joist. Replacing it isn't easy and may require several pieces of joist combined with a foundation that could potentially serve as support.
  • Get advice from a contractor who has good experiences and references in this area!

When buying or selling a home, all these important components are automatically checked during the building inspection , provided the inspector has sufficient resources. The building inspection report will also detail the findings in detail, and you will also receive advice on how to repair defects, prevent future ones, or improve the situation and thus mitigate risks.