Hi I need to install a timber beam between to masonry walls to hold roof rafters. Does this timber need to be fixed using hangers or can it be built into the masonry. Must be compliant with building regs as the BCO wants to inspect before i can cover.
Can a timber beam be built into brickwork
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Build it in. I doubt air leakage will be an issue in that location in any case.
Yes, can be built into the masonry.
It will need padstones/plates.
Speak to BC, some of them are "funny" and like things done one way rather than another although compliant.
Some of them for example don't mind you using steel plates instead of padstones.
Plates are easier to carry, install and cheaper (slots of times free).
It will need padstones/plates.
Speak to BC, some of them are "funny" and like things done one way rather than another although compliant.
Some of them for example don't mind you using steel plates instead of padstones.
Plates are easier to carry, install and cheaper (slots of times free).
Padstones or steel bearer plates are equally acceptable. Although without seeing the details I wouldn't automatically assume these were needed.
In most cases, timber beams/trimmers would not need padstones or bearer plates as the loads they usually carry are relatively low.
Try explaining that to a BC official...
Just easier to make them feel important and do what they want.
R
rougharsedbrickie
You don’t use padstones or plates with purlins and they’re timber beams built into masonry 
Try explaining that to a BC official...You don’t use padstones or plates with purlins and they’re timber beams built into masonry
Did I just repeated myself?
Getting old...
Do you need to use those plastic caps (or wrap the buried ends in DPM) or is that just for solid walls?
Doesn't bother me either way and it certainly wouldn't make me feel important and I'm a BCO
As I already said you don't automatically need padstones, you don't have to explain that to me.Try explaining that to a BC official...
Did I just repeated myself?
Getting old...
As a matter of interest, are you:
(a) LABC, or
(b) private, or
(c) should I mind my own business?
In my experience every BC has different interpretations of regs.
So, rather than build and then argue, I ask them what they expect and I follow their lead.
No arguments once all is completed.
Said that, I also dealt with BCOs who were not only very knowledgeable about latest technology and materials, but not at all set in their own ways and open to alternative acceptable solutions.
R
rougharsedbrickie
Remember when BCOs actually had practical rather than theoretical knowledge, a dying breed and sorely missed 
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