Securing badly split ceiling beam.
- Thread starter pineapple
- Start date
Steel channel and bolts.
Can you explain a bit more thanks?
Our first thoughts were bolts with plates and resin.
So would this be beyond the remit of an average builder?The alternative is to insert bars diagonally through the beam. This is specialist design though.
I don't think so. Steel bars are secured with resin into drilled holes. But they need to take care to do it correctly.
An engineer will need to work out the bars and spacing though.
This is typical conservation repair, so perhaps people experienced in that should be approached.
An engineer will need to work out the bars and spacing though.
This is typical conservation repair, so perhaps people experienced in that should be approached.
The bedroom floor unfortunatelyWhat's above the beam - flooring?
John
Easy enough to lift up then, to give you access to the beam?
Whatever repair is finally done, its best to have access all round.
John
Whatever repair is finally done, its best to have access all round.
John
Try contacting the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
http://www.spab.org.uk/
For free building conservation advice, telephone the SPAB Technical Advice Line on 0207 456 0916 (Monday - Friday, 09:30 - 12:30).
http://www.spab.org.uk/
For free building conservation advice, telephone the SPAB Technical Advice Line on 0207 456 0916 (Monday - Friday, 09:30 - 12:30).
First thing I'd ask is why has it split like that?
Removal of support below the beam? Added load above? Or simply inadequate in the first place?
I'm no structural engineer, but there doesn't seem much point in just repairing a beam which is already too weak for the loading on it.
Removal of support below the beam? Added load above? Or simply inadequate in the first place?
I'm no structural engineer, but there doesn't seem much point in just repairing a beam which is already too weak for the loading on it.
The cottage dates back to about 1750 so wear and tear? There is a bedroom above. There has definitely been no wall removed. This is the beam closest to the fire and the fact that the cottage has been barely used and poorly maintained over 25 years cant help.
Thanks for the various suggestions. I think I will have to get a structural engineer out to advise.
Thanks for the various suggestions. I think I will have to get a structural engineer out to advise.
Old beams do crack ( de-laminate ) over time.
Looking at your beam I would hazard a guess that the lower section on which the joists are resting is more than adequate to take the weight and dynamic load of a bedroom floor.
In the old days beams and joists were over sized for the loads unlike today where for cost reasons the smallest section possible is used.
You could try measuring the deflection of the beam when the floor above is loaded with normal and then excessive loads. If the deflection is within limits then there is no need to do anything. The split adds charactor to the room and creates a talking point.
I do not know what the limit on deflection would be. It depends on several things but organisation like SPAB or TRADA ( Timber Research and Development Association ) should be able to adviise you.
The only worry would be if that lower section was also de-laminating.
I think the notches for the joists and changes in humidity ( central heating being installed maybe ) created stresses in the beam between the notches and that led to that large crack opening up.
Looking at your beam I would hazard a guess that the lower section on which the joists are resting is more than adequate to take the weight and dynamic load of a bedroom floor.
In the old days beams and joists were over sized for the loads unlike today where for cost reasons the smallest section possible is used.
You could try measuring the deflection of the beam when the floor above is loaded with normal and then excessive loads. If the deflection is within limits then there is no need to do anything. The split adds charactor to the room and creates a talking point.
I do not know what the limit on deflection would be. It depends on several things but organisation like SPAB or TRADA ( Timber Research and Development Association ) should be able to adviise you.
The only worry would be if that lower section was also de-laminating.
I think the notches for the joists and changes in humidity ( central heating being installed maybe ) created stresses in the beam between the notches and that led to that large crack opening up.
Well it certainly will be a talking point if it collapses
But thanks for that. Have not moved in yet as major works still in progress including potential woodworm treatment. But I'm a bit afraid of putting furniture up there at the mo 
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