what between steel and wood joists?

Question

I have inserted a steel beam under a broken floor, and chiseled under the joists so I can get it in, but there are irregular gaps in between of about half an inch and less. The joists will sit on the metal beam.

How shall I fill the gap? Some bits of slate and readymix cement? or car body filler? But mightnt they crumble as I adjust things?

Something a bit flexible like HardAsNails?

Or lime mortar?

It's only holding up a floor and a bath, so it doesnt have to be super strong, but i want it to last a hundred years.

thanks

[george]

Tim W · Accepted Answer

george (dicegeorge) wibbled on Friday 25 September 2009 15:53

I would use metal sheet - perhaps 2x2" square washers (about 1/16" thick) - banged in between the wood and the beam until tight (use as many as needed under each bit). Easy to buy and fairly flexible to make up the thickness required.

The only thing to be aware of is that the packing *might* "walk" due to expansion and contraction over time...

The Natural Philosopher · Answer

I'd use expanding foam or car body filler.  Which probably won't.

Jules · Answer

Might be possible to weld in place after, I suppose, so long as it was done quickly enough to avoid too much localised heating of the joists.

Around here in the land o' timber-framed houses, it's common to use wooden shims for levelling floors - but they're usually nailed in place afterwards to the supporting beam, and that doesn't work if it's steel :-)

cheers

Jules

Tim W · Answer

Jules wibbled on Friday 25 September 2009 21:44

Unless you have a Hilti gun.

Ah, an excuse for a *proper* tool... Imagine that:

"Dear, can you hang this picture?" Bam! "Done"

"The cat's clawed the chair." Bam! "Never will again..."

"The daughter's brought home another gorilla" "Clik" "Just leaving, goodnight, er, Sir..."

Limey Lurker · Answer

Folding wedges

what between steel and wood joists?

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