Project Type: Evaluation, Design
The Vital Structure:
New Exterior Deck Design & Miscellaneous Structural Augmentation
Issue
Vital Structures was hired to design a new exterior deck, and to evaluate the existing house framing for the augmentation and relocation of two (2) interior load bearing walls. The two-story house was reportedly constructed in 1950 and the homeowner proposed adding a 12’-0” by 19’-0” exterior deck to the rear of the house, moving the kitchen load bearing wall closer to the front of the house, and adding an opening to another existing load bearing wall.
Diagnosis
Our evaluation of the existing structural framing noted that the relocation of the kitchen wall required installation of supplemental first-floor framing and new concrete footings below to resist the changed load path.
Solution
Our exterior deck design included a new pressure treated wood framed deck, constructed of 2×10 joists and beams, supported on concrete sonotube footings. Our supplemental framing design for the relocation of the kitchen load bearing wall included a new built-up 2×8 first-floor beam supported on new concrete sonotube footings. New LVL headers were designed for the location of the new opening in the existing load bearing wall. Plywood shear walls were added to provide resistance to lateral loads.
Result
The structural framing augmentation will allow the homeowner to safely enjoy the expanded kitchen of the house and experience the backyard space on the new exterior deck