Exterior Walls & Weight Question

mr_alberta · #1 10-23-2006, 04:30 AM

Can you get the builder to double up the joists in that location? How much of a cantilever are we talking about?

Tarolisol · #2 10-23-2006, 04:38 AM

I have a rather heavy piano in my cantilever, as im sure many others have as well. And its been there for years, im sure it weighs as much as a tank.

Farrmanchu · #3 10-23-2006, 05:12 AM

Check with Chemaster, I think his tank sits partially outside the foundation, and he had some beefing up done before putting the tank in.

Dale · #4 10-23-2006, 07:08 AM

I've had a 6', 140G. tank sitting in my cantilever for a year now without a problem. Consider that it will weigh in at just over 1000lb's - or the weight of five big guys. Will the cantilever collapse if five big guys stand in it? As suggested the tank sits on a load bearing wall and if your tank is say, 20" wide only 16" actually protrude beyond the wall itself. That 16" is cantilevered which means it is supported by the load bearing wall.
here's a pic:

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Kawasaki KR350

Josh24 · #5 10-24-2006, 12:02 AM

Thanks Dale I doubt my tank would exceed 140 gallons.
Have you noticed an increase in bounce in your floors?

Dale · #6 10-24-2006, 04:19 AM

No, but then again - I haven't pile driven my kids in awhile

If you think of a cantilever like a seesaw, with the load bearing wall as the fulcrum, you will see how hard it would be to collapse it. It's like sitting 1.5 feet away from the middle and trying to lift someone up. The only way to drop your end is to collapse the load bearing wall.
Good luck, take some pics.
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Rehab Community

Josh24 · #7 10-24-2006, 04:21 AM

Will do... House is supose to be ready in April/May so we'll see what happens.