Can I remove this cross member?

[dominoman]

I don't know what this piece is called, but it is one of many small supports that hold a roof beam up.

It is safe to remove? (i'm talking about the small cross support with the light switch mounted on it)

Untitled

• dominoman
• 12 Dec 2014
• 1

Untitled

• dominoman
• 12 Dec 2014
• 1

I have a boiler feed and expansion tank that was put in before the loft was converted and that is now totally boxed in and inaccessible - and leaking... So I need to get to it.

If it is safe to remove this then it makes life slightly easier?

 

[tony1851]

Not very easy to see from your pic but it looks to be a purlin prop - if so, not adviseable to remove it.

 

[dominoman]

Thanks. There are several other similar props all along the roof line, so as long as I only remove one will it likely be OK? The alternative is to cut a big hole in my newly decorated wall to install a hatch and get to it from the other side.

 

[TheVictorian]

It is structural so no one sensible on a forum will tell you that it is ok to remove it.

Whilst the building may not fall down if you remove it, it is there for a reason and your roof may move in the long term without it.

 

[dominoman]

Thanks. You've convinced me. I'll do the job properly and cut an access hatch instead.

 

[masona]

If it is safe to remove this then it makes life slightly easier?

Can be possible, get a roofing Carpenter to check but then I wouldn't trust some of them!!

 

[WabbitPoo]

how about putting another in temporarily, cutting that one out, doing the repair, then reinstating the one you removed?....