I am planning on removing 15' of a 2x6 load bearing wall in my basement and want to confirm the sizing of the steel beam. I had an engineer have a look, but the only engineer available is a semi-retired fellow who sized the beam in exchange for having a couple of beers with him in the process. He says a 15' wide flange steel beam 8" deep and 21 lbs/foot with a single telepost on each end will work fine.

I have a single story house (26'x40') with cathederal ceilings, asphalt shingled roof and moderate snowloads. The wall in question is 2x6 on 16" centres and runs the 40' length of the basement. He also says the footings should be fine as well.


Does anybody out there agree or disagree with his sizing?

Thanks

Are you trying to open the spans between posts?

Is the old beam rotted or sagging?

Is there a load bearing wall above the replacement beam?

Ken

There is no beam there now... it is a load bearing wall that I want to replace with a beam. The wall in question is in the basement and there is another load bearing wall on the main floor above.

Cheers

Id probably go with that, the question is did he have a drink before or after he told you what to do.