Create space in loft

ARION

ARION

ARION

Permabanned
Joined
6 Feb 2012
Posts
219
I am just looking for a bit of advice if possible.

When I was a kid I remember my uncle had created space in the loft by moving the wooden roof timber which helped create a large usuable space in the house.

I cant afford the cost if a proper conversion and could do with more space now that one of the three rooms is taken up by the nursery and the other my office.

If possible, I would like to move the roof timber (this is the main thing I am unsure on), board/insulate, install a velux window and widen the loft hatch with install some decent ladders.

Does anyone know if the roof timber bit is possible without my roof falling off?

Cheers
 
I would get in touch with a structural engineer and see what options are available. Depending upon your tiled roof would determine your course off action. Also certain areas of the country may require consent for the velux roof to be installed as it may be looking across other properties etc.
 
Thought that would be the answer but not 100% sure that is required. See pics. The timbers highlighted are not sitting on any supporting walls, they are simply tied to the loft joists. If i could bring them in and make smaller this will free up a ton of room.

jZTu7w

fMg30G

c36xSw
 
+1 for dark-knights post.
Builders aren't renown for adding more material than needed so I'd suggest those braces are indeed supporting your roof.
 
I understand they are supporting the roof, my point was that i dont think any steel work would be required. I think the wood can be altered in such a way to free space but also supports the roof.
 
Those are braces to stop the trusses flexing in the wind/bad weather. Roof trusses are designed in a particular way, they may be over engineered in someways but a lot of what is there is for a reason.
Dark knight is right get a clever person in and see what they suggest, you might be able to make some changes with the help of a good carpenter - ideally someone who knows how to make cut roofs not just any old tom dick or harry
 
Arion, you have a trussed roof, the diagonal members brace the rafters and ceiling joists - any changes to this without putting in place alternative structural measures will compromise the entire roof.

Note also that Building Control consent will also be required for any changes.
 
Ok to clear things up, I understand that I will have to get a structural engineer to advise and that I will. I would like to know if anyone has changed a similar frame to create more space and what was required. My (limited) understanding is this is a common type of frame so there must be tons of people who have done this.
 
I think some of you may be over thinking the amount of work required here. This will no doubt be a relatively simple job once I have a SE run some load calculations and give me some advice.
 
My contact is NE based so wouldn't travel that far for a small job sadly but I think you are underestimating the job from the sound of it, with the greatest of respect.
 
ARION said:
I think some of you may be over thinking the amount of work required here. This will no doubt be a relatively simple job once I have a SE run some load calculations and give me some advice.
Click to expand...

Remember what you just said after the roof caves in!
 
Mark M said:
My contact is NE based so wouldn't travel that far for a small job sadly but I think you are underestimating the job from the sound of it, with the greatest of respect.
Click to expand...
Cheers no problem. I work for a company with a large engineering department so I can probably get some help from one of my colleagues who does this sort of thing. You say I am underestimating the job when I don't think I am. I have just recently finished a full refurbishment of my home which including a fair bit of structural work. Comparing it with that, I think it will be a breeze...

@koolpc on multiple occasions I have said I will be seeking the advice of a structural engineer so I don't really understand your comment. At no point have I said I will just start chopping the trusses to bits with no thought. I am merely seeking the advice of people who have first hand experience, something of which you do not have by the looks of it. Thanks for trying to help though.
 
ARION said:
Cheers no problem. I work for a company with a large engineering department so I can probably get some help from one of my colleagues who does this sort of thing. You say I am underestimating the job when I don't think I am. I have just recently finished a full refurbishment of my home which including a fair bit of structural work. Comparing it with that, I think it will be a breeze...

@koolpc on multiple occasions I have said I will be seeking the advice of a structural engineer so I don't really understand your comment. At no point have I said I will just start chopping the trusses to bits with no thought. I am merely seeking the advice of people who have first hand experience, something of which you do not have by the looks of it. Thanks for trying to help though.
Click to expand...

You are right. I have never demolished a house.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom