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Call a foundation repair pro to replace a rotted support beam. Your contractor will likely install temporary support to the area while replacing the beam with new wood or steel. Load-bearing elements of your home—such as the horizontal beams that run along your floors, walls, roof, and ceilings—should be inspected by a trained structural engineer. Call these experts the moment you detect rot, water damage, or foundation issues in your home. 

Your local building code will list all the framing requirements for whatever type of structure you're building. Most exterior walls require spacing of 16 inches on-center, while many non-load-bearing interior walls only require 24 inches of spacing. However, there are also varying requirements depending on your construction material, so checking your municipality's rules is essential.

Yes, joists are considered structural, as they support the flooring or roofing above them and help distribute the load to the beams, which, in turn, distribute that load to weight-bearing walls or foundational supports directly below them. Joists not only help distribute the load evenly to your beams, but they also provide direct support to the subfloor in flooring systems, which helps reduce creaking and the risk of uneven flooring.

When deciding whether to use nails or screws for framing, the specific needs of the project must be taken into account. Nails have long been the go-to option for framing due to their affordability, ease of installation, and ability to withstand shear forces. They are perfect for structural framing projects where fast assembly is essential. In contrast, screws offer exceptional holding power and are particularly useful in situations requiring increased strength and resistance to pull-out forces. For projects that prioritize accuracy and long-lasting quality, screws may be the preferred option, though nails remain a dependable and efficient choice.