removing roof support for loft conversion

pooly · 30-01-2010, 10:58

i am considering a loft conversion, either as storage or preferably for extra rooms, i live in a mid terrace property, and we have a large timber beam running through the length of the loft between the walls, situated about 18 inches of the loft floor, this then as another vertical beam coming from it that goes right up to the top of the roof in the centre of the roof, how could i get round removing this and putting in strenghteners to support the roof. ideas much appreciated.

**Kymmy** · 30-01-2010, 11:01

Welcome to the forum

Thread moved to Lifestyle where you might get a better response

martyh · 30-01-2010, 11:17

without actually seeing the roof (can you take some pics and post) it is hard to be certain but my feeling is that these beams are the main support for the roof and should not be removed until other means of supporting the roof have been assessed by a structural engineer or similar professional
The thing to remember about timber roofs is that all of the timbers serve a purpose and removing any of them could result in structural issues unless aproached properly

**Rob** · 30-01-2010, 11:32

This sounds like a traditional style truss.

You can't remove it without providing major alternative support framework. As martyh has said you need a structural engineer to assess that. But then you'll also need someone to design the suitable thickness of flooring which may need beams too, and if they are to be supported from the party walls (they usually will be) you'll need to do the party wall act stuff. You'll also need proper plans drawn for Building Regulations otherwise you'll have major difficulty selling your house as everyone will assume it's a bodge job. All in all you need to get in the professionals to do the design work even if you then decide some of the work can be physically done DIY.

Peter_ · 30-01-2010, 11:42

Get a professional in otherwise.

Quote:

Featured on national television and splattered all over the newspapers the incredible ‘loft conversion’ built by Christopher Pendrey not only caused £15,000 worth of damage to his Leicester home but also cost him a court appearance and 160 hours of community service.

As featured HERE

superbiatch · 30-01-2010, 12:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moldova

Get a professional in otherwise.

As featured HERE

I wanted to see pics! There are some right plums in this world

Peter_ · 30-01-2010, 12:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

I wanted to see pics! There are some right plums in this world

I know the one but trying to find the pictures as the roof was bowed which gave it away plus he had his kids sleeping up there.

I found it http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/l...re/3770939.stm

**Rob** · 30-01-2010, 12:54

That's small fry compared to some of the bodges (actually that's unfair to the bodgers who probably know what they are trying to do but don't achieve it) I've seen in loft conversions. Indeed one chalet bungalow conversion attempt I saw would probably have cost over £50,000 to redo properly and with the ceilings ready to collapse because of the weight from above I wouldn't have wanted to even be sleeping in the ground floor let alone the new rooms created above.

Only reason that bloke above will have been prosecuted was because the property was rented and thus not his to alter. Homeowner's are different the most they'd get is a dangerous structure notice from Building Control, if Building Control became aware of it. Typically the dodgy jobs are found our at sale of house time.

heero_yuy · 30-01-2010, 13:04

Normally to remove these timbers it is necessary to install structural steel work (I-Beams) to take over the load bearing. It is essential to get a structural engineer involved and possibly the party wall surveyor and the building control officer of the council.

Quote:

Local Authorities have powers under the Building Act 1984 to enforce the Building Regulations and have work altered or removed that does not comply.

pooly · 30-01-2010, 22:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by heero_yuy

Normally to remove these timbers it is necessary to install structural steel work (I-Beams) to take over the load bearing. It is essential to get a structural engineer involved and possibly the party wall surveyor and the building control officer of the council.

thanks for the advice folks, it was obvious to me that these beams are load bearing and no way was i going to attempt to remove it myself before getting some sound advice, would i be ok in boarding the loft for clean storage if i strengthen the beams allready in place, or would i need to put stronger ones in place first, and this will not involve removing the load bearing beams i asked about earlier, the house is quite old, built 1922, cheers again for any help given

sollp · 30-01-2010, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by pooly

i am considering a loft conversion, either as storage or preferably for extra rooms, i live in a mid terrace property, and we have a large timber beam running through the length of the loft between the walls, situated about 18 inches of the loft floor, this then as another vertical beam coming from it that goes right up to the top of the roof in the centre of the roof, how could i get round removing this and putting in strenghteners to support the roof. ideas much appreciated.

Yeah mate, just take it out, you won't have any problems

**Rob** · 31-01-2010, 01:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by pooly

thanks for the advice folks, it was obvious to me that these beams are load bearing and no way was i going to attempt to remove it myself before getting some sound advice, would i be ok in boarding the loft for clean storage if i strengthen the beams allready in place, or would i need to put stronger ones in place first, and this will not involve removing the load bearing beams i asked about earlier, the house is quite old, built 1922, cheers again for any help given

Absolutely no idea. That can only be determined by a professional inspection of your property and roof structure.

Angua · 31-01-2010, 10:43

If you can live with the beam as is, boarding out for storage should be fine.

Can you check with any of your neighbours to see what they have done?

pooly · 02-02-2010, 18:09

well ive contacted the council surveyer regarding the beams, also took some pics, the vertical beam is actually loos and not taking any weight whatsoever, and can be moved back and forth very easily where it joins the roof, i will wait and see what council say but got a feeling it will be no problem to remove these beams once other supports are in place

**Rob** · 02-02-2010, 18:49

That beam might not be supporting the roof as such, it could be resisting the sideways or outward spread of the roof timbers that push the tops of the walls outwards.