What to consider when replacing support beams (crawl space)

[tomnil]

Tearing down the upper floor to build a new bathroom.

I've encountered a support leg for the roof truss (corresponding to the knee wall) with dimensions 50x150mm that seems a bit sad.

I don't think the support leg is very stable as it's easy to "budge" it with a crowbar.






Is there anything specific I need to consider if I want to replace this with a new support leg with dimensions 45x145? I was thinking of attaching it on one side of the roof truss with a nail plate and anchor screws. Do I need to brace more before prying it off and replacing it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[henke_benke]

one should always brace before replacing a load-bearing component

 

[kalle_lidköping]

It might be loose now. But with 1dm of snow on the roof, it might be useful. Just a thought.

 

[tomnil]

It might be loose now. But with 1dm of snow on the roof, it might be useful. Just a thought.

Could very well be the case, I've read about similar reasoning in other threads.

Then I'll probably fasten a prop a little higher up and lightly pump with a jack, so it should surely go smoothly to replace the support leg.

 

[tomnil]

Propped it up a little with a jack and replaced the support leg. Now it's straight and much more rigid.

The support leg was on a wedge clamped between two floor joists, so it was probably mostly meant to help with snow loads, for example.