EM Construction provides expert structural beam repair and replacement services for residential and commercial buildings throughout New York and New Jersey. When load-bearing beams are compromised by rot, corrosion, fire damage, or structural overload, our experienced crews restore the structural integrity of your building safely and efficiently.
Structural beams — whether steel, wood, or engineered lumber — are critical load-bearing elements. A deteriorated or failed beam does not just affect one room; it can compromise entire floor systems, cause differential settlement, and in severe cases lead to partial structural collapse. EM Construction approaches beam replacement as the serious structural work it is, coordinating with licensed engineers when required and executing repairs to full building code compliance.
When Beam Replacement Is Needed
Rot & Decay (Wood Beams)
Wood beams in older New York City buildings are particularly vulnerable to rot where they are embedded in exterior masonry walls. Moisture that enters through deteriorated mortar, failed flashing, or plumbing leaks attacks the embedded beam end, often leaving the visible mid-span portion intact while the critical bearing point has been hollowed by decay.
Corrosion (Steel Beams)
Steel beams embedded in masonry or exposed to moisture can corrode extensively. Corrosion reduces the effective cross-section of the beam, compromising its load-carrying capacity. Severe section loss requires beam replacement; moderate corrosion can sometimes be addressed with reinforcement.
Fire Damage
A beam that has been exposed to fire requires engineering evaluation to determine whether repair or replacement is appropriate. Even beams that appear intact may have lost significant strength due to high-temperature exposure. We work with structural engineers to assess fire-damaged framing and implement the appropriate remediation.
Structural Modifications
Adding loads to an existing structure — converting a rooftop to a terrace, removing walls, or increasing floor loads — may require upgrading or replacing existing beams to accommodate the new demands. We perform structural upgrades in coordination with the design team.
Insect Damage
Termites and carpenter ants can devastate wood beam sections that are not visible during routine inspection. When pest damage is discovered during renovation or investigation, we provide the structural repairs needed to restore load-carrying capacity.
Our Beam Replacement Services
Wood Beam Replacement
We remove deteriorated wood beams using temporary shoring to support the loads above during replacement. New beams are installed using LVL (laminated veneer lumber), glulam, or dimensional lumber of the specified size and grade. Embedded ends are treated with preservatives and properly flashed to prevent recurrence.
Steel Beam Replacement & Reinforcement
We remove and replace corroded or damaged steel beams, and weld or bolt reinforcing plates to beams with localized section loss. All steel work is performed by certified welders in compliance with AWS D1.1 structural welding standards.
Temporary Shoring & Underpinning
Safe beam replacement requires proper temporary support of the loads above. We design and install timber or steel shoring systems that safely carry structural loads throughout the replacement process, protecting the building and the workers.
Beam-to-Wall Connection Repairs
The connection between beam and bearing wall is often the point of failure. We repair and reconstruct beam pockets in masonry walls, install proper bearing plates, and flash beam ends to prevent future moisture infiltration.
Engineering Coordination
Structural beam replacement in occupied buildings requires engineering oversight. EM Construction works with licensed structural engineers to develop repair plans, obtain DOB permits, and document completed work as required by New York City’s building department.
Signs of Beam Distress
– Sagging or bouncy floors above a suspected beam location
– Cracks in walls or ceilings that follow a linear pattern consistent with beam deflection
– Visible rust staining on ceiling finishes below steel beams
– Soft, spongy, or discolored wood visible at beam ends
– Doors or windows that have become difficult to open or close
– Settlement or separation at wall-to-ceiling junctions
Our Process
1. Structural Investigation — We open ceilings or walls as needed to expose and inspect affected beams.
2. Engineering Engagement — We coordinate with a licensed structural engineer to evaluate conditions and design the repair.
3. Permitting — Required DOB permits are obtained before work begins.
4. Temporary Shoring Installation — Loads are safely transferred to temporary supports before any beam is cut or removed.
5. Beam Removal — Deteriorated beam sections are removed with care to avoid disturbing adjacent structure.
6. New Beam Installation — Replacement beam is installed to engineered specifications with proper connections and bearing.
7. Shoring Removal — Temporary supports are removed after the new beam is fully installed and loaded.
8. Restoration — Finishes disturbed during the repair are restored.
9. Inspection & Filing — Work is inspected by the engineer of record and filed with the DOB as required.
Service Areas
EM Construction provides beam replacement services throughout all five New York City boroughs, Long Island, Westchester County, and northern New Jersey.
Get a Free Estimate
Structural problems do not improve on their own. Contact EM Construction today for a professional assessment and a free estimate for beam repair or replacement before a manageable repair becomes a structural emergency.