Rusted Garage RSJ

[Simon Andrews]

Hi I have a garage and water has leaked in and caused the RSJ to rust and flake. An old woman had the house before I did and never maintained it. The RSJ have been exposed to some damp conditions. I think the Garage has been built in late 70 s.

Anyone have any idea how long RSJ last in such conditions. Would I be able to remove the flaking and coat them. Any thoughts?

 

[plastic_peanut]

Would suggest cleaning the rust up with a wire brush or drill attachment. Inspect, use a suitable rust cure and then prime and paint.

All depends on condition but difficult to gauge without photos

 

[JohnD]

I once athletically jumped up and started chinning on an old iron I-section beam. The web I was hanging on was so rusty it broke off.

Another good test is to poke it, hard, with an old screwdriver. It must not penetrate.

If the beam was unpainted with new, and has suffered years of condensation or roof leaks, it could be unsafe by now.