I ran into this exact thing when I opened up a wall and found a stack of old paint stir sticks holding up a joist. It “worked” for decades, but the floor above was still sloping. Ever try to figure out if you’re dealing with an original beam or some weird retrofit? I always end up second-guessing what’s actually carrying the load versus what’s just... there.
Title: Why does load distribution always trip me up?
Man, I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve opened up a few walls in my old place and found some “creative” solutions—scrap lumber, shims made from who-knows-what, and once, a chunk of what looked like an old fence post wedged under a beam. It’s wild what passes for structural support in some of these houses.
Trying to figure out what’s actually bearing weight and what’s just filling space is always a guessing game for me too. Sometimes I’ll see a big beefy beam and think, “Okay, that’s gotta be original,” but then I’ll notice it’s not even touching the joists above, or there’s some random 2x4 sistered next to it doing all the work. You’d think there’d be some logic to it, but nope—every house tells its own weird story.
I usually end up poking around with a flashlight and tapping on things, but honestly? Unless the wood looks obviously newer or there are different fasteners, it’s tough to tell what was added later. Even then, I’ve been fooled before. The worst is when you find something that “worked” for decades but clearly wasn’t meant to last—like your paint stir sticks. Makes you wonder how many other hidden surprises are lurking behind the drywall.
I guess at the end of the day, as long as nothing’s sagging (too much) or creaking ominously, I try not to stress about every little mystery. Still, it’d be nice if there was a foolproof way to know what’s carrying the load without tearing half the house apart. Maybe someday I’ll get better at reading the clues... or just get used to second-guessing myself every time I pick up a pry bar.
Man, I hear you on the “creative” supports—when I pulled down a basement ceiling tile, I found a stack of old textbooks propping up a joist. Guess someone figured knowledge is power, literally. I’ve tried tracing load paths by following the walls upstairs and down, but half the time I just end up more confused. One thing I’ve started doing is looking for cracks in the plaster or weird dips in the floor—cheap detective work, but sometimes it gives you a clue. At this point, I just hope my house keeps holding together until I can afford a real inspection.
Man, I totally get the “cheap detective work” approach—sometimes I feel like Sherlock Holmes with a flashlight and a level. I’ve found everything from old phone books to bricks holding stuff up in my place. Honestly, tracing load paths makes my brain hurt too. Is it just me, or do old houses seem to have their own logic? Anyway, you’re not alone in hoping things stay upright until the budget allows for a pro. Sometimes I wonder if ignorance really is bliss...
Honestly, tracing load paths makes my brain hurt too. Is it just me, or do old houses seem to have their own logic?
Haha, totally agree—old houses are like that eccentric uncle who just does his own thing. I swear, mine has beams that go nowhere and random supports that seem more decorative than structural. Sometimes I think “logic” wasn’t even on the blueprint. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected... but yeah, it’s a little nerve-wracking when you’re poking around under the floorboards hoping you don’t find something holding up the whole house with chewing gum.
