Maximum length of support beam

[Anthony Zenger]

I have a 12′ support beam in the middle of my house on the ground floor of my two story home.  The beam is two sistered 2″ x 8″ boards,  has two 2×4″ supports every 4 feet from end to end but it stops 4′ short of the wall. Just above and perpendicular to the beam, are 12″ trusses, that connect the ground floor ceiling to the upper level.  There are also trusses in the attic, but no load bearing walls that I can see.

Would I be able to replace this beam with a 16′ 2″x8″ with 4″x4″ supports at each end?

I fell like, if anything, this would add stability since it would span the entire width of the house.

[Mark Bolt]

Mr. Zenger,

you state there are 12″ trusses perpendicular to the beam, caring the 2nd floor, and there are truss in the attic.

may I ask, are the 12″ truss floor truss or 2×12 floor joist? or are the 12 truss made with the attic truss, that is to say that the 2nd floor room is built in the truss.

thank you,

[Author]

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