Removing roof support for loft conversion - Page 2

pooly · 02-02-2010, 21:42

as requested couple more pics, one shows how beam is connected to rafters at either side of loft, other shows vertical beam that isnt taking any weight and moves easily, and a general view of loft. there is only the 1 beam as shown, neighbour has boarded his out but left beam in place. i would prefer to remove it if possible and make a playroom or extra bedroom, cheers for advice guys,

Hom3r · 02-02-2010, 21:47

How tall is it in the middle?

It does't look high enough for a loft conversion.

02-02-2010, 21:55

thats a better view

As has been suggested the main horizontal beam is structural and nescessary to the integrity of the roof ,the vertical beam was only put in as a safeguard against any sagging in the ridge and has shrunk over the years .If you remove the horizontal beam then it will definately have to be replaced with another type of support (probably rsj)

pooly · 02-02-2010, 21:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hom3r

How tall is it in the middle?

It does't look high enough for a loft conversion.

it is deceaving in the pic, it is about 7 foot in the middle, i didnt measure it but im 5'9" and there was easily a good foot above me. also the walls at 1 end are offset making an alcove, im looking at moving the water tank into this alcove and hiding it behind some sort of doors, this will free up about 5 to 6 ft of extra loft space making it longer.

02-02-2010, 21:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hom3r

How tall is it in the middle?

It does't look high enough for a loft conversion.

doesn't look high enough for practical purposes to me either but for a 'non-living space' could be a usefull space when boarded

Dai · 02-02-2010, 23:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyh

thats a better view

As has been suggested the main horizontal beam is structural and nescessary to the integrity of the roof ,the vertical beam was only put in as a safeguard against any sagging in the ridge and has shrunk over the years .If you remove the horizontal beam then it will definately have to be replaced with another type of support (probably rsj)

Looks like my roofspace. Late Victorian and originally slated. When the roof was redone in concrete tiles some years ago the builder added some bracing to support the extra weight.

02-02-2010, 23:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

Looks like my roofspace. Late Victorian and originally slated. When the roof was redone in concrete tiles some years ago the builder added some bracing to support the extra weight.

yep it does look like a typical slate roof ,not much weight ,so not much support needed

pleased you had a good roofer because it has been known for roofers to ignore that aspect of the job if they even know it should be done

pooly · 02-02-2010, 23:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

Looks like my roofspace. Late Victorian and originally slated. When the roof was redone in concrete tiles some years ago the builder added some bracing to support the extra weight.

house built 1922, and your right it was originally slate roof but not now

02-02-2010, 23:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by pooly

house built 1922, and your right it was originally slate roof but not now

what tile is on it now ,is it the black "fake slate"?

pooly · 03-02-2010, 00:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyh

what tile is on it now ,is it the black "fake slate"?

yes i think it is

Dai · 03-02-2010, 06:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by pooly

yes i think it is

That'll be handy. If it's the composite fake slate that's normally lightweight stuff.

pooly · 03-02-2010, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

That'll be handy. If it's the composite fake slate that's normally lightweight stuff.

yes is the fake slate, was on when i moved in

Dai · 03-02-2010, 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyh

yep it does look like a typical slate roof ,not much weight ,so not much support needed

pleased you had a good roofer because it has been known for roofers to ignore that aspect of the job if they even know it should be done

I can see that on a few of the terrace houses at the back of my place. A lot of them have been redone in the concrete tiles and there are a couple where the droop on the rafters is quite dramatic.

03-02-2010, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

I can see that on a few of the terrace houses at the back of my place. A lot of them have been redone in the concrete tiles and there are a couple where the droop on the rafters is quite dramatic.

in my experience sometimes the customer refuses to have the extra supports put in either because they want to retain the open attic or because the of the extra cost incolved mand then as i have said some roofers don't even think about it

pooly · 03-02-2010, 20:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyh

in my experience sometimes the customer refuses to have the extra supports put in either because they want to retain the open attic or because the of the extra cost incolved mand then as i have said some roofers don't even think about it

well my roof is fine, and wont take the beams out untill i can find a solution to keep everything safe, would rather pay an engineer to decide what to do than take a risk, got a couple of quotes for private companies all around £300 mark so not excessively expensive to keep it right, gonna see what local council engineer says first. apparently it can cause all sorts of problems if you come to sell and cant show paperwork for inspections etc