Loft floor.

[GARYF123]

Hi,
My loft space is currently used as a store room. It has 2 x velux windows and a permanent staircase. The existing joists are only 4 x 2". In order to legally use it as a bedroom, what do i need to do regarding fire door and floor strengthening. Would putting 6 x 2" additional joists in between existing 6 x 2" joists be acceptable?

Thanks,

Gary.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

You need to post the existing setting out/dimensions of your existing loft floor/roof structure to get a better idea of likely required structural work required. Realistically you'll very likely need a structural engineer to provide calcs/design to Building Control anyway. A typical loft conversion involves two steel beams spanning between outside walls set above the existing ceiling joists and new floor joists spanning between the two steel joists, Because the new structure typically goes in above the existing ceiling, you may find your stairs no longer comply.

But this is typical and your loft could be different hence the need for you to provide more info.

Fire regs require a fire door at the top or bottom of the stair and the rest of your doors in the house to be fire doors too. Mains smoke alarms ground and first floor required.

 

[noseall]

You will also need to comply with the latest thermal /heat loss reg's also.