While the client pondered floor plan options, we forged ahead with the necessary structural framing.

Once the first floor replacement joists were set on the bolstered foundation configuration (see Foundation post), and the subfloor fastened down, we were ready to get to work on the structure supporting the second floor.   Our first task was to construct a support system to carry the second floor joists since they exceeded their maximum span capacity.   The load bearing hallway wall, which bears directly down on the foundation support beam, was left standing through the central portion of the house, but the two sections of wall towards the rear and front were removed during demolition in order to open up the floor plan.

Using hydraulic jacks and 6x6 posts, we straightened the second floor joists, which had settled over the last hundred years despite the presence of the load bearing wall.  Once the joists were straight, we inserted two PSL beams; one down the center towards the rear of the house, and one towards the front.  PSL beams (Parallel Strand Lumber), are composite lumber, made from long strands of wood veneer bonded together with an adhesive.  These beams are far stronger than natural wooden beams, and are used in applications where high bending strength is needed and in load bearing columns.

The rear support beam pockets into the brick exterior wall on one end, and rests on jack studs within the structural partition wall on the other.  The front support beam connects to the hallway wall on jack studs, however, since the front portion will be exposed, we will “post down” with an antique bearing column.  While we search for suitable wood for the column, we used a 6x6 post as a temporary support.

Since the layout of the second floor is virtually identical to the first, we repeated the same process on the second floor.  The one difference was the challenge of supporting the roof where we had removed joists in the living area and kitchen to create a vaulted ceiling.  Using jacks and posts, we raised the roof trusses in the affected area and inserted two LVL beams (pocketed into both outside brick party walls).  After bolting the LVL beams together, we removed the jacks, and the trusses settled firmly onto this support beam.

Hallway Support Beam, First Floor	PSL Support Beam, Rear of House, First Floor
PSL Support Beam, Front of House, First Floor	PSL Support Beam, Front of House, First Floor (2)
Double LVL Beam Supporting Roof, Second Floor	Double LVL Beam, Pocketed into Outside Party Walls