What is a Girder Beam? What To Do If Yours Is Sagging

A girder beam plays a pivotal role in the structural integrity of a building. Whether in residential homes, commercial buildings, or industrial structures, this horizontal support beam is designed to carry and distribute heavy loads, such as floors, roofs, or even other beams. But what exactly is a girder beam, and what should you do if yours starts to sink or sag? In this post, we’ll explore the function of girder beams and the potential problems that can arise when they fail, as well as discuss pier and beam repair solutions to restore your home’s stability.

What Is a Girder Beam?

A girder beam is a primary support beam that holds up significant weight within a structure. Often placed horizontally across columns or walls, a girder beam’s job is to carry the load of a building’s floors, roofs, or multiple intersecting beams, transferring that weight down to the foundation. Girder beams are typically made from materials like steel, concrete, or wood, depending on the type of structure they are supporting. In homes with crawl spaces or basements, girder beams are essential for supporting the joists that hold up the floors.

The number of girders in a home depends on the construction and loads being supported. For example, girders for single-story construction or those supporting loads from a single floor should be at least 4 in by 6 in for spans of 6 ft or less. Girders should also be spaced no more than 8 ft on center.

Girders are a key component of a home's structure, providing support and strength to the walls, roof, and floors. They are installed perpendicular to structural joists and directly nailed to the framework. Girders are generally larger and more robust than beams, and are used for longer spans. Beams are designed to support loads at shorter spans within a building.

Girders are often I-beam shaped, but can also be box shaped, Z shaped, or other forms.

Signs of a Sinking or Sagging Beam

Over time, wear and tear, water damage, soil movement, and other environmental factors can cause girder beams to sag or sink. When this happens, it can result in serious issues for your home’s structure. Here are some common signs that your girder beam may be sinking or sagging:

• Uneven or sloping floors – If the floors in your home are starting to sag or dip in certain areas, it could be a sign that the girder beam underneath is no longer level.
• Cracks in walls or ceilings – As a girder beam sags, it can pull on the surrounding walls, leading to cracks in drywall or plaster.
• Doors and windows sticking – A sinking beam can throw off the alignment of door and window frames, causing them to jam or not close properly.
• Gaps between walls and floors – If you notice separation between walls and floors, it may be a sign of beam failure.
• Creaking or bouncy floors – As beams sag or sink, floors may feel less stable, leading to excessive creaking or a bouncy sensation when you walk.

Ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive damage over time, so it’s important to address a sagging or sinking beam as soon as possible.

Problems Associated with a Sinking or Sagging Beam

A girder beam that is sagging or sinking can cause a variety of structural problems in your home, including:

• Foundation issues – A sagging girder beam can place extra stress on the foundation, leading to cracks, shifts, or even foundation failure.
• Damage to joists and subflooring – As a girder beam sags, it can damage the floor joists and subflooring that rely on it for support, causing floors to weaken and become unsafe.
• Water damage – If the sinking is due to moisture or soil movement, water may begin to infiltrate the crawl space or basement, leading to mold, rot, and further structural deterioration.
• Increased energy costs – Gaps and cracks caused by a sinking beam can let in drafts, making your home less energy efficient and driving up heating and cooling costs.

Pier and Beam Repair Solutions

If you’re dealing with a sinking or sagging girder beam, don’t worry—there are effective solutions available to stabilize and restore your home’s foundation. One of the most common and effective methods is pier and beam repair.

Pier and beam repair involves reinforcing the foundation with additional supports or piers to lift and stabilize the girder beam. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Inspection and Assessment – A professional foundation contractor will inspect the girder beam, crawl space, and surrounding foundation to determine the extent of the damage and identify the best repair solution.
2. Pier Installation – Steel or concrete piers are installed under the sinking areas of the beam. These piers are driven deep into the ground to reach stable soil or bedrock, providing a solid anchor for the beam.
3. Lifting and Leveling – Once the piers are in place, hydraulic jacks are used to lift the girder beam back to its original position. This not only levels the beam but also corrects the issues it caused, such as uneven floors or cracks in the walls.
4. Securing the Beam – After the beam has been leveled, it is secured in place with brackets attached to the piers. This ensures that the girder beam remains stable and prevents future sagging or sinking.

In some cases, additional support beams or joist reinforcements may be installed alongside the piers to further strengthen the structure. Crawl space waterproofing and encapsulation may also be recommended to prevent future water damage that can weaken beams.

Does My Girder Beam Need To Be Replaced?

New foundation columns or beams are sometimes needed when existing structural supports fail or become inadequate. Over time, factors such as soil movement, water damage, wood rot, or general wear and tear can weaken columns or beams, leading to instability in the foundation. In these cases, replacing or adding new columns or beams can help restore the structural integrity of a building.

During major foundation repairs, temporary columns or beams may be installed to support the structure while permanent repairs are made. Once the repairs are complete, new, permanent columns or beams may be added to ensure long-term stability.

In many cases, adding piers or reinforced concrete columns alongside existing structures can offer a lasting solution. At Midwest Structural Solutions, we can evaluate the condition of your current beams and columns and determine if replacement or additional support is needed to protect the integrity of your home. Contact us today.