Hi all,
Firstly happy new year! well in a few hours at least.
My issue is that i've just installed an RSJ downstairs in a supporting wall. The first floor joists run perpendicular to the said wall. To support i've a scaff board with acrows on one side of wall. Scaff board is pretty close to RSJ to pick up the joists from the neighbouring room as only a slight overhang (approx 6'').
When installing the RSJ i really wanted to try and keep all of the bricks that were between each pair of joists however due to crumbly mortar they all came out. Each gap had 2 courses of brick between joists which link the upstairs bedroom wall. RSJ and pad stones all in and sorted.
Tonight i've tried putting the bricks between joists back in and it's been - well a disaster!. My approach was to mortar up both bricks, lift them up with mortar on top and then hold them in position with wooden wedges so i could tuck point / pack the bottom mortar joint onto the RSJ. There was too much disturbance and i wasn't happy that the upper most mortar bed had engaged the upstairs wall.
I know people might say to pack with mortar and then hammer in slate but again the issue would be movement.
Ideally i'd want some kind of expanding clamp which could push the bricks up and hold them whilst i fill underneath. I might be able to reverse everything and build up as normal off the RSJ and pack the top mortar joint but it'll be awkward since its in line with upstairs floor boards and difficult access from acrow side.
Any ideas anyone? this must be a common issue. Am i going about this all wrong? I am an amateur after all!
Many thanks
Damo
Firstly happy new year! well in a few hours at least.
My issue is that i've just installed an RSJ downstairs in a supporting wall. The first floor joists run perpendicular to the said wall. To support i've a scaff board with acrows on one side of wall. Scaff board is pretty close to RSJ to pick up the joists from the neighbouring room as only a slight overhang (approx 6'').
When installing the RSJ i really wanted to try and keep all of the bricks that were between each pair of joists however due to crumbly mortar they all came out. Each gap had 2 courses of brick between joists which link the upstairs bedroom wall. RSJ and pad stones all in and sorted.
Tonight i've tried putting the bricks between joists back in and it's been - well a disaster!. My approach was to mortar up both bricks, lift them up with mortar on top and then hold them in position with wooden wedges so i could tuck point / pack the bottom mortar joint onto the RSJ. There was too much disturbance and i wasn't happy that the upper most mortar bed had engaged the upstairs wall.
I know people might say to pack with mortar and then hammer in slate but again the issue would be movement.
Ideally i'd want some kind of expanding clamp which could push the bricks up and hold them whilst i fill underneath. I might be able to reverse everything and build up as normal off the RSJ and pack the top mortar joint but it'll be awkward since its in line with upstairs floor boards and difficult access from acrow side.
Any ideas anyone? this must be a common issue. Am i going about this all wrong? I am an amateur after all!
Many thanks
Damo
