Russell-Colbath Historic House Floor Stabilization

A. Correct all of the shortcomings of the previous sill repair, joist repair and the additional supporting girts/piers. The existing, newer repairs as mentioned, were completed without any regard to historic aesthetics and the proposed repairs, as suggested herein, will continue with that approach. This is a 'budget' suggestion which will suffice for a very long time. 1. Install positive lateral connections between the girts and joists. a. Jack / straighten, disconnect/reconnect as needed. Simpson joist hangers, side clips, straps, plates................ http://www.strongtie.com/ b. Where feasible additional solid wood blocking alternative. c. Timberlok, Ledgerlok, Simpson fasteners. [Continuous] 2. Install positive vertical connections at the newer, additional girts to all of the supported joists. Jack / straighten as needed. [Continuous] a. Replace all loose, compromised shims with new treated material and a positive connection. [Continuous] b. Attach solid wood blocking and/or Simpson truss plates, straps, clips. c. Timberlok, Ledgerlok, Simpson fasteners. [Continuous] 3. Install additional supports at the existing, original, interior girt @ the which adjacent to the existing cellar staircase. Jack / straighten as needed. a. Existing 7"X7" hewn, Black Spruce which is extremely undersized for the existing span. b. Pressure Treated SYP 4"X 6" X 32"H +/- posts with standard connections. B. Remove / replace the inaccurate, structurally compromised, 20th C., kitchen floor boards. This is a structural and aesthetic correction. 1. The existing original sub flooring shall remain as is. 2. Period correct, vintage, Northern Red Pine, full span/length flooring shall be reinstalled. [10% or under moisture content recommended.] 3. Period correct, vintage, early machine cut nails. [Continuous] C. The chamber floor boards do not pose any structural concerns. However, these could altered in the same manner as the kitchen suggestion [above] for a more accurate look. D. The stone chimney base was compromised when the vestibule floor was rebuilt and / or when the fireplace was reconstructed. Regardless, the hearth stones have been undermined on the south side and need to be rectified before the deterioration expands. Most of the altered stones remain in the basement, however, some addition pieces will be needed. Perhaps some of the original foundation stones remain on site.