I have 2x8x13 joists that sit on top of a 2×4 ledger that is nailed to a 6×8 beam. The ledger is sagging off the beam, pulling away 3/4 inch at the top àand sagging 3/4 inch below the beam. The joist are sagging with the ledger.
The house is 140 years old.
Proposed solution:
I want to cut the end of the joists 3 inches from the beam. Remove the sagging 2×4 ledger board. Install a double 2×8 ledger board through bolted to the 6×8 beam, using 1/2 hex bolts. Jack the joists back level to the beam and ledger and attach with joist hangers.
Questions:
Will this work?
Do I need to worry about splitting the beam by using through bolts?
Best Answer
It's not uncommon to create a ledger by laminating dimensional lumber, as you seem to propose. You'll see this for instance with deck building.
When using a through-bolt (through the 6in width of the beam, nutted on the far side) you have to pre-drill to the diameter of the thread, and so there will be no splitting. Make sure you use washers on both ends of the bolt.
Since the joists will no longer be seated you have to use hangers, as you correctly propose already.