I made a mistake while trying to fish a wire and accidentally drilled about 4 inches into a 2x8 support beam in my basement. The hole was made with a 1-inch drill bit, and the beam is located near the stair opening, so I hope it's well supported. I'm really worried because it's the bottom of the beam, which is under tensile pressure. Should I be stressed about this? How serious is this mistake?
2 Answers
Just to add to that, if there are other beams nearby providing support, that can help mitigate any issues. As long as the hole isn't really close to the edges or messing with the structural integrity, you might be okay. Still, it's always best to consult with an expert if you're feeling uneasy!
It's tough to say without knowing exactly how close the hole is to the bottom of the beam. Generally speaking, a 1-inch hole can be okay if it's not too close to the edges or bottom, but you should keep an eye on it. Have you gotten a good look at how deep you're into that beam?
I measured it's about 2 inches from the bottom. Does that change anything?
Yeah, a professional can give you peace of mind. It's better to be safe, especially with something like this!