I'm working on soundproofing my basement, which has big joists in the subfloor (the ceiling of the basement). In between the joists, there are some smaller cross-beams that seem to be loosely nailed in. I'm considering removing these beams temporarily to install insulation and drywall, but I'm a beginner in home improvement and not sure if it's safe to do so. I've uploaded pictures to help clarify the situation. Any advice on whether I can safely remove these beams, even if just for the project?
3 Answers
Those beams definitely need to stay, but if you're finding it tricky to work around them, a solid blocking solution might be a good compromise. This way, you can keep the strength and also make the insulation job easier! Just use lumber that's similar in size.
You can remove those beams for your project, but once you're finished, you should definitely put something back in their place. They play a key role in preventing the joists from rotating. If you want to use insulation, consider cutting around them instead. You might even think about installing some blocking to help with the insulation process, which could be quite effective too.
Those cross-beams are pretty typical for older homes, and they're actually important for stability. They help keep the joists in place and prevent the floor from bouncing. I’d recommend insulating around them instead of removing them.
Yeah, new houses have them too.
Thanks for the input!