lintel type

[alexmurch]

For the last 4 years i have rented out a property. recently it became empty so i thought i would upgrade the bathroom. I noticed there was a good 1/2" gap between the floor and the skirting board ( bathroom upstairs ) i ripped the floor boards out and could clearly see a crack in the wall, at the height of the top of the joists, so some dropping has occured. From below ( downstairs ) there is the front door directly below, and the lintel is just a 4 x 2" piece of wood, layed the weak way round. I think when the door was changed to a upvc one it may have disturbed the old wooden lintel. Anyhow the bathroom joists are directly on top of the lintel so hence why the floor has dropped the 1/2" I went out today and purchased a standard size concrete lintel 4" x 2" x 4ft long. But then i thought is a concrete lintel sufficient or should it be a steel beam ? I havent fitted it yet, as had to pick up some akro,s on way home. But any advice would be greatly appreciated before I maybe make a mistake , thanks in advance

 

[noseall]

It is not unusual to see a shrinkage gap at the junction betwixt a timber floor and timber skirting.

Their combined shrinkage is enough to create 10-15mm gap.

 

[chucka]

Evening. Take a look at the catnic website, it will give you the correct beam for the job. If you have an old house it may be a solid wall so you need a beam/beams which will support the whole width. If it is a newer house you will have two walls held together by wall ties, so you will need a beam (catnic) to support the inner and outer wall.