A long structural component, typically
made of wood (solid or built-up), plywood,
or steel designed to carry floor and wall
loads horizontally to the foundation.
The structural integrity of beams is
important in any building. Undersized or
over-spanned beams may sag or crack and lead
to the ultimate failure of an entire framing
system. Over-spanned wood beams can be
readily identified and are usually remedied
with the addition of posts, enlarged beams,
or effected through some type of load
reduction.
Beams can suffer mechanical damage and
be weakened by notching, cutting, or
drilling. The amount of weakening is a
function of where the damage occurs on the
beam, how significant the damage is, and how
far it is from the supports. Steel beams can
be much stronger than wood beams and are
more resistant to rot, termites, and
mechanical damage, but are more expensive,
heavier, difficult to handle and are
susceptible to rust.
Fire is an obvious concern with both
wood and steel beams. Interestingly, a steel
beam will lose its strength in a fire
earlier than a wood beam, although a wood
beam actually burns. Steel loses its
strength after being exposed to temperatures
of 1,000ºF for about four minutes.
Looking to Buy or Sell Luxury
Real Estate In Toronto, North York, Thornhill,
Woodbridge, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora, King
City and beyond...visit LuxuryBroker.ca
Mortgages247.ca 2011 Apply Online without Blackouts Mortgages247.ca is designed to provide competent and
reliable information regarding the subject matter covered. However it is
provided, free of charge, with the understanding that the authors are not
engaged in rendering legal, financial or other professional advice. Law and
practice often vary from province and province and if legal or other expert
assistance is required, the services of a professional should be sought. The
authors specifically disclaim any liability that is incurred from the use or
application of the contents of this website.
